This document contains all the biographical sketches contained within the town chapters of the book "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY", ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893.   These biographies were submitted by various family members in the 1800s,  and they do not reflect all families who lived in the county at the time.

 

These bios were transcribed between 1997 - 2000 by an incredible team of Cattaraugus County Researchers, who are listed below.   My heartfelt thanks to all of them, with a special thank you to Art Burch, who contributed many additional hours of his time toward transcribing, editing, and posting these bios.

 

Laura Greene, Coordinator of Cattaraugus County Bio Project

Carlsbad, CA

Email:  lgg at interaccess.com  

 

Cattaraugus County Bio Team:

 

Art Burch

Martie Wilson

Sandra Harris

Pat Hoy

Susan Austin

Beverly Plack

Judy Offen

Mike Gifford

Joe Mack

Pat Dalpiaz

Pam Smith

Ginni Morey

Jack McIntyre

Lee Campbell

Ronda Oberlin

Cindy Kittle

Christi Brogan

Kathy Behling

Claudia Poole Patterson

 

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TO FIND ANY REFERENCE TO YOUR FAMILY's SURNAME, SIMPLY USE YOUR "FIND FUNCTION" IN YOUR WORD PROCESSOR AND TYPE IN THE NAME.  BE SURE TO CHECK ALL SPELLING VARIANTS.  PLEASE NOTE: FREQUENTLY THE PUBLISHER OR EDITOR OF THE BOOK MISSPELLED OR HAD PRINTING ERRORS FOR A PARTICULAR NAME - SO LOOK CAREFULLY TO BE SURE YOU DON'T MISS AN IMPORTANT DETAIL ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF ALLEGANY

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY", ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 430

 

Surname:  BASCOM

 

Col. George BASCOM was one of the pioneer settlers of Cattaraugus county, and was prominently known in this town, where the most of his life was spent.  In the days of general trainings he was closely connected with the State militia, whence he obtained his title of colonel.  He died in Allegany village April 11, 1893, in his eighty-fourth year.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 430

 

Surnames:  BLAIR, GRAVES

 

Jason BLAIR, a native of Massachusetts, was born September 12, 1810.  November 13, 1835, he married Miss GRAVES, of Lisle, N. Y.  Shortly afterward he came to Allegany and settled near Olean, where he remained for two years.  His next home was at the mouth of Five Mile creek.  He was a lumberman and cut the pine timber off 700 acres of land which he bought at from $1.00 to $2.50 per acre.  They were early settlers and most of their provisions were brought from Buffalo by teams.  There were times when roads were so bad that it was hardly possible to make the trips.  Then provisions were exhausted.  The little that was left the neighbors would divide and help each other out until their supplies came.  Mr. BLAIR survived his wife, who died September 14, 1887.  He died June 3, 1893.  They had seven children, two of whom died in infancy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 430

 

Surnames:  BOCKOVEN, VAN VLACK, LAMBERTON, RENWICK, RICE, HAYES, WILLARD

 

Lieut. William C. BOCKOVEN was born in New Jersey, July 18, 1824.  He came to Allegany in 1848, remained about a year, and went to Fishkill, N. Y., where he married Maria VAN VLACK, July 22, 1850.  The same year they moved to Allegany village.  By trade he was a blacksmith.  He was a partner with Dennis LAMBERTON four years, when LAMBERTON died, and Mr. BOCKOVEN continued the business alone until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he went out as lieutenant of Co. I, 64th N. Y. Vols.  Capt. Robert RENWICK was wounded and Lieutenant BOCKOVEN took command of Co. I as captain.  After the close of the war he followed his trade until his death, which occurred January 13, 1890.  He was a member of the River Union, No. 240, E. A. U.  He left a wife, two sons, and three daughters.  The children were Eleanor N. (Mrs. Hyde RICE); Dewitt C.; Jessie (Mrs. William H. HAYES); Minor; and Estella (Mrs. Clare WILLARD).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 430

 

Surnames:  BOOTH, SLOCUM, HEALD

 

Edward BOOTH was born in England, December 11, 1844, and in 1851 came to America with his parents, Joseph and Susan BOOTH, who reside in Humphrey.  They reared twelve children, eight of whom are living.  Mr. BOOTH is a farmer in Allegany.  He enlisted February 2, 1862, in Co. C, 105th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war.  He married, March 5, 1866, Mary D. SLOCUM who was born in Herkimer county, July 5, 1844.  They have one child, Charles M., born July 15, 1867, married Flora HEALD, January 16, 1887, and has two children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 430

 

Surnames:  BOSTWICK, MEEKER, BROOKS

 

Harry BOSTWICK was born in Vermont, Oct. 17, 1793, married Annie MEEKER in 1825, and came to Allegany in 1852.  He was a tailor by trade.  His wife died June 6, 1881; he died June 12, 1883.  Their children were Charles H., who was born in Vermont, April 11, 1826, and Martha M., who was born in July, 1827, and resides in Franklinville.  Charles H. BOSTWICK married Lydia L. BROOKS, of Bethel, Vt., Aug. 18, 1852, and came to Allegany when about twenty-two years of age.  His wife died July 28, 1888.  His death occurred very suddenly July 27, 1890.  Their children were Charles H. Jr., and Annice.  The latter was born June 21, 1860, and resides on the homestead where four generations have lived and where three were born, the house being one of the oldest in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 431

 

Surnames:  BUCHER, SUTTER, KREIN

 

John B. BUCHER, a weaver by trade, with his wife, Mary Ann SUTTER, and their two daughters and one son, emigrated to America in 1851, landing in New York city on June 24th.  The family came from Ober Schneisingen, Canton Argan, Switzerland, where the son, William BUCHER, was born on July 19, 1839.  The daughters' names were Helen and Lenna.  The mother was a member of a prominent family in Switzerland.  John BUCHER first settled near Buffalo, but soon moved to Transit, N. Y., and in 1852 located near Lockport.  In 1853 he purchased a few acres of wild land in Amherst, Erie county, which he sold in March, 1859, and removed to Allegany, settling on the Four Mile, where the parents died at the age of seventy-seven years.  William BUCHER's education was nearly all in German, which he judiciously combined with the practical knowledge he was forced to secure.  Leaving home in April, 1858, he preceded the family to this town, where he worked by the month and finally purchased forty acres of land.  By an accident he lost his right arm and then began peddling, but money was scarce and this proved unprofitable.  In 1862 he secured a permit to enter the 154th Regiment and followed that organization through its campaigns, supplying the soldiers with tobacco, notions, etc.  He returned home in June, 1865, and with the profits accumulated in the army he was enabled to pay for his farm.  July 12, 1868, Mr. BUCHER married Mary KREIN, of Buffalo, and their children are William F., John P., Joseph A., Henry F., Christian A., George, Jacob, Albert, Mary A., Katie A., Clara E., and a daughter deceased.  Mr. BUCHER is the owner of the celebrated Rock City in this town, a place fully described on a preceding page.  He has always been a Republican in politics, but not an office-seeker.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 431

 

Surnames:  BURLINGAME, JONES, LYON

 

Ira BURLINGAME, the father of Mrs. Cordelia C. JONES, was born in Weathersfield, Vt., November 5, 1778, and before attaining his majority went to Oxford, Chenango county, where he married Elizabeth LYON.  He experienced religion in 1818 and united with the Baptist church.  In 1827 he removed to Cattaraugus county, where he spent the remainder of his days.  Here he soon identified himself with the Baptist church and labored to promote its interests until his death, which occurred November 29, 1846.  His wife died at Franklinville in 1864.  Only four of their twelve children are now living: Leroy, Elizabeth, Cordelia C., and A. Haynes.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 431

 

Surnames:  CALKINS, MACK, WAY, SIMMONS

 

John C. CALKINS, born in Ballston, Saratoga county, October 30, 1815, came to Great Valley about 1852.  After the war he removed to Allegany and engaged in farming.  He married, first, Abigail MACK, June 30, 1849, and by her he had three children: Foreman R., John E., and Commerce C.  January 1, 1862, he married, second, Mary E., daughter of David P. and Hannah (WAY) SIMMONS, of Great Valley, and their children are David P., Lillian H., Charles F., Mary E. (deceased), and Adna D.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 431

 

Surnames:  CARLS, HEIT

 

John H. CARLS was born in Germany, October 5, 1835, and in 1844 emigrated to America with his parents who settled in Buffalo.  At the age of eighteen he began life in the lumber woods of Northern Wisconsin, where he was engaged thirteen months.  He was next employed by Joseph Story, of Buffalo, in his sheep-skin tannery.  In 1855 he came to Allegany and settled on a farm on the Four Mile, where he still resides, and near where he owns a steam shingle-mill and cider-mill.  November 20, 1860, he married Magdalene HEIT, who has borne him twelve children, viz.: Lewis J. (who died March 26, 1872), John J., Magdalene, Andrew A., George I. (who died June 30, 1870), Rosie, Henry F., Barbara A. (who died October 10, 1881), Joseph F., Francis A., Edward, and Marcus J.  His father, Henry, born in 1810, died May 7, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 432

 

Surnames:  CHAMBERLIN, PLATT, BECKER, GOODEN, PARKS, COVELL

 

Charles CHAMBERLIN, son of Moses and Anna (PLATT) CHAMBERLIN, was born December 11, 1818, and married Caroline BECKER, of Chautauqua county, Nov. 12, 1848.  She was born March 9, 1829.  Mr. CHAMBERLIN came to Allegany over forty years ago and settled on a farm about one mile north of the village.  He also owned a saw-mill on Five Mile creek.  Feb. 16, 1880, while superintending the manufacture of lumber at the mill, the circular saw caught a board from the carriage which it severed in an instant and one of the pieces, thrown with great velocity, struck Mr. CHAMBERLIN on the left temple, causing instant death.  He was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  His widow resides on the homestead.  Their children are William M., born April 22, 1850, G. Frank, born Nov. 3, 1853, married Kate GOODEN, December 1, 1880, and has three children, Lewis M., Florence B., and Willard A.; Charles E., born August 3, 1856; Frederick E., born September 12, 1859; Anna P., born April 27, 1862, married Frank PARKS, of Allegany, and has three children, Grace, Sadie, and Clara; John, born June 10, 1865; and Jennie, born October 4, 1868.  William M. CHAMBERLIN is a farmer and owns the mill where his father met his death.  He married Miss Roslia COVELL, March 24, 1875.  She was born September 16, 1850.  Their children are Mabel C., Carrie J., Lewis S., Roy P. (deceased); and Edna R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 432

 

Surname:  CHAPIN

 

The CHAPIN family has long been well known in Allegany.  The first representative who came here was Jabez CHAPIN, Sr., from Massachusetts.  His son Roswell settled in Buffalo in 1815 and became the first village surveyor there.  Two daughters of Jabez, Mary and Faritta, joined their brother in Buffalo, but removed to Allegany soon after their father settled here.  Another daughter, Lucy, suggested the name Springville for that village in Erie county.  Jabez CHAPIN, Sr., had a family of three sons and four daughters, and it is said that in none of their homes was ever found a lamp or a stove.  At least this is true of those who settled in Allegany.  They used candles for lighting, and did their cooking and warmed their houses with fires on the hearth of the fireplace.  Only one – a maiden daughter – of this generation survives.  Her nephew, however, lives in town.  They have all lived to extreme old age and attribute their great longevity to never employing a physician.  Their lives were full of history.  Their house is a veritable museum of curiosities.  Mary and Faritta for many years wove carpets for the neighbors.  The former was an expert in needlework, especially in making fine embroidered lace, pieces of which are still extant and valued for their superior quality.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 432

 

Surnames:  CLARK, JONES, LOOMIS, TYRRELL

 

Alfred CLARK, born in Claremont, N. H., November 15, 1808, married, November 3, 1833, Elizabeth H. JONES, and came to Allegany in 1841, where he conducted a tavern for nine years.  He then opened a grocery store, which he ran until June, 1859; in 1864 his son Calvin G. succeeded to this business and continued it until 1890, when he sold out on account of poor health.  Alfred CLARK died August 16, 1864; his wife's death occurred August 15, 1871.  Calvin G. CLARK, their only child, was born December 30, 1834, and October 28, 1862, married Harriet L. LOOMIS, who was a daughter of William LOOMIS, and who was born in Machias, January 1, 1836.  Mr. LOOMIS settled in Machias when he was seventeen years old and died there September 8, 1865; his wife was Emma TYRRELL, who survived him until May 22, 1800.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 432 & 433

 

Surnames:  CLARK, PRESTON

 

Henry CLARK, born in Franklin, N. Y., September 3, 1830, came to this town with his parents when nine years of age.  He served three years in the late war in Co. D, 154th N. Y. Vols.  He is now engaged in lumbering and farming.  He married Mary J. PRESTON, December 12, 1854, who was born in Hinsdale, December 2, 1836.  They have six children, viz.: Staley A. (died July 29, 1861), Ida J. (died Jan. 16, 1887), Harriet A., Lewis G., Anna E., and Gracie M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 433

 

Surnames:  CORTHELL, FITCH, FIELD

 

Lewis S. CORTHELL was born in Lima, Livingston county, in 1837, and in 1840 or 1841 came with his parents, Daniel and Sally (FITCH) CORTHELL, to Allegany (then Burton).  His father and mother dying when he was very young he was early in life thrown upon his own resources for support, and in 1851 he began to learn the trade of harness maker, which has been his life vocation.  May 5, 1859, Mr. CORTHELL married Annette F., daughter of Rev. J. M. FIELD, of Machias; they have an adopted daughter, Gertrude S.  It is not in a business capacity only that Mr. CORTHELL is known to his townsmen.  In 1862 he entered Co. C, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was postmaster of Allegany from 1866 to 1869 (through Johnson's administration).  He was also justice of the peace for eight years from April, 1882, until he was compelled to resign in 1890, by reason of deafness, has served as town clerk, and for twenty-three consecutive years was clerk of the School Board.  Mr. CORTHELL is a member of the Presbyterian church and is at all times deeply interested in the success of the Democratic party.  He is widely known and much esteemed.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 433

 

Surnames:  DONAHUE, FITZGERALD, BURNS, CRONYN

 

Michael DONAHUE, who was born in Ireland, September 25, 1820, came to America in the fall of 1850.  After residing six years in Buffalo he came to Allegany, where he is said to have cleared a piece of land by moonlight, his days being occupied in the employ of others.  He was one of the pioneer farmers of the town and as a man has always been much respected.  In the fall of 1852 he married Mary FITZGERALD, who died March 26, 1883.  Their children were Ellen (Mrs. William BURNS), Bridget (Mrs. John CRONYN), Thomas, Michael P. (born March 1, 1865, died February 22, 1885), John, Mary, Mattie, and Maggie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 433

 

Surnames:  DYE, MERRILL, MOORE, PIXLEY

 

Dennis DYE was born in Litchfield, N. Y., March 15, 1805.  In 1830 he removed to western New York, and from then until his death lived much of the time in Cattaraugus county.  In April, 1852, he settled in Allegany as a farmer and died here February 23, 1872.  His wife, Minerva MERRILL, who was born in Johnstown, N. Y., September 27, 1808, died here September 27, 1887.  Their son Nathan A. was born in Litchfield, August 22, 1829, came to Freedom, and thence on March 7, 1852, to this town, where he became a merchant, dying December 5, 1882.  A Democrat in politics Mr. DYE was elected to many town offices and in 1871 became justice of sessions of the county.  Jan. 26, 1851, he married Rosaline, daughter of Oliver MOORE, a farmer and an early settler of Freedom and subsequently (in 1869) a resident of Allegany, where he died March 2, 1877.  Mr. MOORE was born in Vermont, April 6, 1804, and his wife, Judith PIXLEY Jan. 12, 1796.  Mr. and Mrs. DYE had born to them these children: Charles O., born May 18, 1852, died December 29, 1887; Mason M., born May 6, 1854; Jennie R., Sept. 23, 1858; Edwina M., July 11, 1860, William H., Nov. 19, 1862; Nellie B., Sept. 3, 1868; and Nathan E., October 14, I870, died Sept. 14, 1871.  Mrs. DYE died Dec. 22, 1892.  Mason M. and William H. are bankers in Allegany village.  Mason M. was supervisor of Allegany from 1886 to 1889 inclusive.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 433 & 434

 

Surnames:  EGGLESTON, HOPPING, ATWOOD, GILLETT, SPICER, BLISS, HADSELL, BURDICK

 

Isaac EGGLESTON, born in Vermont, February 13, 1792, came with his brother to Onondaga county about 1808, where in 1819, he married Rebecca HOPPING.  In 1820 they settled in Olean and finally removed to Allegany, locating on Five Mile creek and subsequently on Nine Mile run, where Mr. EGGLESTON died May 17, 1872.  His wife died February 15, 1872.  They had eight children, three of whom died in infancy; the others are Eliza A. (Mrs. Jeremiah ATWOOD), Clarissa A. (Mrs. Cornelius GILLETT). deceased, John W., Almira B. (Mrs. Horace O. SPICER), and Rev. Charles C.  John W. EGGLESTON married, first, Lydia L. BLISS, Dec. 2, 1858, by whom he had three children, Cora, Charles L., and William F.  He married, second, August 27, 1873, Euphonia A., daughter of Abel and Lucy (HADSELL) BURDICK.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 434

 

Surnames:  EISERT, FICK

 

George EISERT was born in Buffalo on the 7th of February, 1860, and came to Allegany in 1874 and engaged in peeling bark, beginning his present business in 1880.  September 2, 1884, he was married to Anna FICK, who has borne him three children: Frank J., James W., and Lena.  Mr. EISERT is a respected citizen and a prominent factor in the German population of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 434

 

Surnames:  EMMONS, BORN

 

John C. EMMONS was born in Corning, June 13, 1856.  There he received his education.  He married Ella BORN, of Cuba, Sept. 15, 1880, and came to Allegany in 1883.  Mr. EMMONS is an experienced and reliable pharmacist.  His is the leading drug store in Allegany village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 434

 

Surnames:  FARQUHARSON, HALE

 

James Henry FARQUHARSON, son of Francis and Margaret A. FARQUHARSON, was born in East Pike, Wyoming county, March 23, 1837.  He became a telegraph operator in 1854 and performed the duties of that avocation in several stations in Cattaraugus county, receiving the appointment at Allegany on May 1, 1856.  His wife, Marion J. HALE, of Hinsdale, whom he married August 19, 1856, bore him six children: Francis H., Fred H., William L., Millie J., Charles B., and Van Deusen.  Mr. FARQUHARSON held many offices of trust, including that of supervisor on the Greenback ticket in 1878, and was prominently connected with the business, religious, and educational interests of the town and county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 434

 

Surnames:  FELT, LICHTENTHAL, KARL, COLT, REHLER, CLARK

 

Nicholas FELT, a native of Germany, was born May 3, 1823, and came to America in 1849.  His first home was in Buffalo, from whence he moved to this town about 1861 with his brother-in-law.  Three years prior to this, however, he had purchased his present home.  His wife was Margaret LICHTENTHAL, who was born in Germany, December 31, 1827, and whom he married September 14, 1849.  Children: Mary (Mrs. Joseph KARL), Magdalena (Mrs. Louis COLT), Katie (Mrs. Albert KARL), Margaret (Mrs. Andrew REHLER), Joseph, John (who married Angie CLARK), Nicholas, and Annie.  The family are all exemplary, industrious citizens and are counted among the town's representative settlers.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 434 & 435

 

Surnames:  FREELAND, ROBINSON, NORWOOD, HARDY, WORTHINGTON, SOULE, LOOMIS

 

James FREELAND was born in Caroline, N. Y., May 11, 1810.  His father, Robert FREELAND, born in the North of Ireland about 1773, came to America in 1798 and settled in Tompkins county, where he married Catharine ROBINSON in 1800.  He was a farmer and mechanic.  James FREELAND attended the common schools and worked on his father's farm.  May 23, 1833, he married Lucinda, daughter of Jonathan NORWOOD, Esq., of Caroline, and in 1836 removed to Allegany with his wife and two children.  He soon became an expert river pilot, which occupation he followed for thirty years and never had a "breakup," but always landed his rafts safely at their place of destination.  He was prominent and popular, and constantly in town offices until his retirement on account of old age.  He successfully filled the offices of highway commissioner, justice of the peace, assessor, and postmaster.  In 1876 he was the Democratic nominee for member of Congress.  The characteristics that distinguish his life are enterprise, perseverance, honesty, and integrity.  Mr. and Mrs. FREELAND's children are Dolphus S., who married Fannie E. NORWOOD in October, 1868, and now resides in Maywood, Neb., where he is postmaster; Jonathan B., who married Mariette HARDY, November 2, 1859, and is a minister of the Free Methodist church; Ruvena, who married Rev. Randolph WORTHINGTON, October 30, 1873; James A., who married Lottie E. SOULE, November 27, 1870, resides in Allegany; and Mabel L., who married Rev. H. H. LOOMIS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 435

 

Surnames:  FRIES, MESSER

 

John FRIES was born in Buffalo, November 24, 1846, and came to Allegany with his parents when he was eight years of age.  They were farmers and settled on the farm where John now resides.  John FRIES was a soldier in the Rebellion, enlisting in Co. H, 188th N. Y. Vols.  June 16, 1866, he married Elizabeth MESSER; children: Maggie, Annie, Mary, Lizzie, and Josie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 435

 

Surnames:  GALLETS, MOHR, BLAZUR, BRAND, GEISER, GEARINGER, NUSSER, KARL

 

Jacob GALLETS, Sr., was born in 1815 in Germany, where he married Susan, daughter of Jacob MOHR.  With an only son they came to Allegany in the spring of 1853.  Jacob MOHR had contracted for 250 acres of wild land on Four Mile creek, which was worked by himself and three sons, Henry, Joseph, and Peter, and John BLAZUR and Jacob GALLETS.  These pioneers cleared their tract, and in winter were jobbers in cutting logs, spending their evenings in shaving pine shingles, which their wives packed into bunches for market.  Upon the division of the 250-acre tract Jacob GALLETS received thirty-seven and one-half acres as his share.  He added to this from time to time and at his death, February 10, 1879, had a farm of 360 acres.  His widow survives him.  Their children were Henry, Marcus, Mary, Joseph A., Jacob, Jr., Henry, Anna, and Barbara.  Henry died in infancy.  Marcus GALLETS was born in Germany, October 4, 1852, married Lucy BRAND, of Allegany, and resides in Pennsylvania.  Mary was born here May 7, 1854, married Philip GEISER, and lives in Olean.  Joseph A. GALLETS, born February 14, 1857, is engaged in farming, lumbering, and oil producing.  May 7, 1878, he married Fanny GEARINGER, who has borne him six children: Jacob, Jr., Mary, Clara, Rosie, Laney, and Barbara.  Jacob GALLETS was born October 6, 1858, and November 8, 1883, married Mary A., daughter of George NUSSER.  They have four children, viz.; Theresa, George J., Mary E., and Grace A.  Henry GALLETS, born May 6, 1861, is a farmer.  May 5, 1886, he married Sophia E., daughter of George NUSSER, and they have two daughters, Agatha T. and Sophia G.  Anna GALLETS was born in 1863.  Barbara, the eighth child of Jacob GALLETS, was born November 1, 1865, and married, April 4, 1887, Jacob KARL, who was born April 4, 1862.  Their children are Katharine S. and Ernest J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 435

 

Surnames:  GATES, BRANDALL, HIGGINS, LOBDGER, ERWIN, PERKINS

 

Rossell GATES, born in Canada on March 12, 1834, went to the oil regions of Pennsylvania in 1865, at a time when "Oil Well Johnnie," sprung into prominence as a spendthrift and had a meteoric career.  Mr. GATES settled at Knapp's Creek in 1883 and removed in 1890 to the BRANDALL farm.  On the 4th of January, 1855, he married Alecia HIGGINS, daughter of William HIGGINS, for fifty-two years high bailiff of Toronto, Can.  Children: Hannah (Mrs. John LOBDGER), Mary Ann (deceased), Jonathan (deceased), Roswell, Lydia (Mrs. Henry ERWIN), and Anna (Mrs. Frank PERKINS).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 435 & 436

 

Surnames:  GEIGER, GATEZ, LIPPERT

 

Jacob GEIGER, born in Germany, April 24, 1841, came to America with his mother in 1854, landing in New York city on the 12th of October.  His mother, after the death of Mr. GEIGER, married Peter GATEZ, and after living in Buffalo two weeks came to Allegany, arriving here in November, 1854, and settling on a farm on the Nine Mile run.  In 1861 Jacob GEIGER enlisted in Co. H, 37th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged on the 6th of September of the same year for disability.  In 1864 he re-enlisted in Co. A, 188th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war.  He participated in many important battles and suffered much hardship.  November 12, 1866, he married Rossella, daughter of Albert KARL, and their children are John (deceased), Joseph, Katie (Mrs. Andrew LIPPERT), Robert, Rosie, and Mary (deceased).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 436

 

Surname:  GORDON

 

Rev. Walter GORDON is a son of John GORDON and was born in Rushford, N. Y., January 22, 1824.  In 1849 he located in Olean and the following year joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference.  Rev. Mr. GORDON, during the years of his ministry, was stationed in various places in western New York and achieved wide distinction as a thorough worker and eloquent preacher.  He was eminently successful in building up his charges to a higher degree of activity and usefulness, and left in all many warm friends and followers.  He is now engaged in farming, being the owner of a large tract of land in southern Cattaraugus.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 436

 

Surnames:  HAASE, REHKOPF, WIEGRAFE, ANGLE, SMITH, CONNHAISER, MASNER

 

Frederick HAASE, son of John H. and Louisa HAASE, was born in Germany, Nov. 18, 1824.  After his father's death in 1860 he came to Allegany with his family and mother and bought a farm where he still resides.  Louisa HAASE was born in 1797 and died in 1875.  Frederick married, first, Laney REHKOPF and second Louisa WIEGRAFE.  By his first wife he had seven children, two of whom died in infancy; the others are Henry F., Frederick E., Caroline, Hanna, and August V.  Henry F. HAASE was born in Germany, Oct. 19, 1845, and is a farmer.  He married Catharine A., daughter of George J. and Catharine (ANGLE) SMITH, Oct. 1, 1872, and they have bad two children, George F. and Emma.  August V. HAASE, born Nov. 18, 1855, is a farmer on the homestead.  He married Anna, daughter of Martin and Margaret (CONNHAISER) MASNER, April 12, 1883.  She was born July 24, 1863.  Their children are Howard F., Frederick H., Raymond, and Mildred.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 436

 

Surnames:  HALL, MORRIS

 

George A. HALL, son of Lewis S., was born in Westfield, Chautauqua county, May 2, 1841.  He came to Allegany in the fall of 1860, married Hattie C. MORRIS, of Chesterfield, Va., and has had born to him seven children, of whom six are living.  Mr. HALL has a sash and door factory and planing-mill in the village which was owned and operated by his father for several years up to the time of his death in 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 436

 

Surnames:  HARBEL, KIANAN, BOCKMIER, SCHIFTER, EHBORER, SCHUMANN

 

John HARBEL, Sr., was born in Germany, Aug. 6, 1816, and married there Katharine KIANAN.  He was among the early settlers on Four Mile run.  His wife died July 30, 1876.  He resides with his son John, Jr.  They had four children: John, Jr., Andrew, Tresea, and Maggie.  John, Jr., was born May 5, 1850, married Rose, daughter of George and Mary A. (BOCKMIER) SCHIFTER, Jan. 7, 1877, and has three children: Mary, Anna T., and George.  Mr. HARBEL is engaged in farming and producing oil.  Andrew HARBEL was born Aug. 12, 1852, married Tresea SCHIFTER on Oct. 21, 1879, and died July 26, 1882.  Tresea HARBEL, born April 10, 1857, married August EHBORER.  Maggie HARBEL was born March 8, 1860, and married, May 4, 1886, Anton SCHUMANN, who was born in Germany, Feb. 13, 1859, and came to Allegany in 1885.  They have two children, Katie and Agnes.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 436

 

Surnames:  HARMS, ACKLEY, BRADY, MILLER

 

Henry E. HARMS, a native of Germany, was born January 14, 1859, and came to Scio, Allegany county, with his parents in 1868.  In 1878 he accepted a position as clerk with A. E. ACKLEY, with whom he remained four years.  In 1884 he formed a co-partnership with W. E. BRADY, of Allegany, in the boot and shoe business, which continued until 1887, when Mr. HARMS built the brick block where he is now located.  He married Polena daughter of John MILLER, of Allegany, and they have one child, Mintie Louise.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 436 & 437

 

Surnames:  HILLS, MIDDAUGH, SEELEY, WRIGHT, ALTENBURG, GROSSMAN

 

Zarah C. HILLS, born in Tompkins county in 1814, came to Portville about 1831 and to Allegany in 1868.  He married Amanda MIDDAUGH, of Allegany county, in 1837.  She died January 25, 1885.  Mr. HILLS resides in Warren county, Pa.  They had five children, of whom Elphonso, James M., Miranda, and Jennie are living.  Elphonso HILLS was born July 28, 1838, and is engaged in the manufacture of bee-hives and in handling bees.  He married Martha E. SEELEY, February 17, 1862, who was born in Owego, N. Y., June 30, 1841.  Their children are Flora I. (Mrs. William WRIGHT), Addie B. (Mrs. Abram ALTENBURG), Minnie H. (Mrs. Charles GROSSMAN), and Floyd A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 437

 

Surnames:  HIRT, SMITHER, ZISTER

 

Andrew HIRT, father of Henry, was born in Germany in 1810.  He came to Buffalo in 1835, where he married Mary A. SMITHER, and in 1855 removed to Allegany, where he cleared 100 acres of woodland, and where he still resides.  His wife died August 21, 1878.  Their children were Lena, Louie (deceased), Mary, Francis (deceased), Henry, and Andrew.  Henry HIRT, born September 24, 1850, married, October 3, 1876, Agatha ZISTER, who was born February 9, 1856.  Their children are Mary L. Clara M. (deceased), Theresa M., Vincent H. (deceased), Frank L., and Annetta A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 437

 

Surnames:  JONES, LYON, BURLINGAME, BURNETT

 

Homer H. JONES, son of Benjamin, was born in this county April 10, 1826.  He came to Allegany when about twelve years of age, and in 1851 bought the farm where he now lives.  He married Cordelia C., daughter of Ira and Elizabeth (LYON) BURLINGAME, May 21, 1854.  She was born in Franklinville, May 21, 1832.  They have one child, Willis P., born August 9, 1859, who married Eva BURNETT, November 6, 1884, by whom he also has one child, Rochester B.  They reside in Buffalo.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 437

 

Surnames:  KARST, PRESACK, KERBER, LAKE, SCHAFER

 

George KARST, born in Germany, November 8, 1828, came to Fredonia, Chautauqua county, in 1852 and thence to Allegany in 1866.  Here he was engaged in manufacturing light and heavy carriages in partnership with Joseph PRESACK until 1880, when the firm dissolved, Mr. KARST succeeding to the business, which he still conducts.  He married, first, in 1854, Magdalene KERBER, who died October 16, 1884, and he married, second, Barbara LAKE, of Buffalo, February 17, 1887.  His first wife was the mother of all his children: Philip, Charles, and Anna.  Philip KARST is a wagon maker and repairer and dealer in carriages.  He married Katie SCHAFER, of Allegany, June 10, 1878; she was born in Germany, October 23, 1858.  They have four children: George P., Lena J., Emma K., and Clarence C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 437

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, McNALL, KEIM

 

Oren J. LEWIS was born in Collins, Erie county, September 4, 1842.  He came to Allegany in 1869, married Olive A., daughter of Levi McNALL, October 14, 1871, and he has had two children: Ada L. and Leroy M.  Mr. LEWIS with William KEIM organized the Crescent Milling Company in 1882, and by careful management the firm has established a substantial business and an enviable reputation.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 437 & 438

 

Surnames:  LINDERMAN, FARWELL, WHITLOCK, ROGERS, SEARL, SILL, SMITH, CANADY

 

Nicholas LINDERMAN, born in Tompkins county, November 22, 1803, settled in Ischua in 1831.  He was the father of eleven children (see Hinsdale).  His son, John M. LINDERMAN, born in Ischua, October 4, 1831, married Ellen E., daughter of Thaddeus J. and Elizabeth FARWELL, June 14, 1855, and came to Allegany in 1869, settling the farm where he now resides.  They have had three children: Medora F. (Mrs. Stanley WHITLOCK), Flora E. (Mrs. George ROGERS), and Ray.  Orson, son of Nicholas, was born March 23, 1836.  He married Hannah FARWELL, by whom he has five children: Charles, Alice, Nicholas, Eola, and Ellen.  They reside in Allegany.  Nicholas A. LINDERMAN was born March 11, 1838, and married Lucinda SEARL.  Mary LINDERMAN was born June 26, 1840, and married Jackson SILL.  Lester P. LINDERMAN was born March 13, 1842, and is a farmer in Allegany.  He married Frances SMITH, by whom he had one child, Gertrude E., who married Charles CANADY.  Mr. LINDERMAN married, second, Clara WHITLOCK, of Hinsdale, December 12, 1876.  Adeline and Emeline (twins) were born Aug. 25, 1844.  Edgar LINDERMAN was born March 17, 1847, and died September 11, 1850.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 438

 

Surnames:  MASNER, MACK, CONNHAISER

 

Martin MASNER, born December 11, 1823, came to America from Germany in 1847 and to this town in 1851, where he still resides.  He married, first, Elizabeth MACK, by whom he had four children, of whom Henry MASNER is the only one living.  His second wife, Margaret CONNHAISER, was born in Germany, November 11, 1826, and by her he had nine children: Horace, died Oct. 26, 1881; Freddie, died Nov. 19, 1889; John, of Iowa; George, of Allegany; and Margaret, Carrie, Anna, Mary, and Minnie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 438

 

Surnames:  McCARTY, McAULIFFE, BLAIR

 

William P. McCARTY was born in Utica, N. Y., January 1, 1849.  In 1854 he moved to Princeton, Ill., and in February, 1870, married Miss Margaret McAULIFFE, of Allegany.  They have a son and a daughter.  In 1887 Mr. McCARTY was appointed postmaster of Allegany by President Cleveland and served until April, 1891.  He has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business with J. C. BLAIR since 1889.  He is a member of the C. M. B. A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 438

 

Surnames:  McCLURE, WARNER, BURLINGAME, TAGGART, STARR, GRIFFIN, CHAPMAN

 

Hiram W. McCLURE was the first white male child born in Cattaraugus county.  His birth occurred at McCLURE settlement in the town of Franklinville on the 30th of April, 1806 and he was the eldest of nine children born to David and Orilla (WARNER) McCLURE, of whom something is said in the history of that town.  David McCLURE was born in Stafford, Conn., June 29, 1778, and died in Allegany, January 20, 1848; his wife was born in the same place December 24, 1783, and died in Franklinville, February 19, 1849.  Their children, besides Hiram W., were Antoinette, born January 5, 1808, died in Kansas, August 1, 1888; Adaline, born March 15, 1810, died May 4, 1811; Sidney W., born December 30, 1811, of Wisconsin; Hannah, born October 5, 1813, died December 10, 1866; David, Jr., born March 17, 1815, a physician of Indiana; Pennel, born January 2, 1817, a physician in Ohio, where he died October 6, 1842; Dexter, born February 9, 1819, a physician in Indiana, where he died February 24, 1879; and Lemira, born June 3, 1822, of Minnesota.  Hiram W. McCLURE on September 12, 1830, married Caroline BURLINGAME, who was born September 21, 1813, and who died January 6, 1887.  Children: Dr. Sanford B. (see p. 114); Elizabeth L., born February 2, 1838, died 1839; Alice B., born August 5, 1840, married W. B. TAGGART; Maria E., born July 12, 1842, married Riley L. STARR, who died in Ellicottville, December 26, 1886; Esther C., born December 6, 1844, married George S. GRIFFIN; Rosebelle, born June 2, 1847; Francis C., born February 12, 1850; Agnes G., born Nov. 12, 1851, married Dr. E. A. CHAPMAN, of Jefferson county; and Kate L., born Sept. 22, 1856.  Hiram W. McCLURE located where he now resides in 1847.  His first ballot was cast in 1828 for Andrew Jackson for president, and since then he has voted at every regular election except one.  It is doubtful if another man in western New York can claim such an unbroken record.  He has ever been prominent in town affairs and has held nearly every office of trust and responsibility.  In 1838 and 1839 he represented Franklinville on the Board of Supervisors and in 1851 and 1873 served in the same capacity for the town of Allegany.  His son and his father were several times elected to the same office, the former from Allegany and the latter from Ischua and Franklinville.  As a citizen Mr. McCLURE is greatly respected and esteemed.  He has lived an active, honorable, upright life, and has always been foremost in promoting the general weal of the Communities in which he has resided.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 439

 

Surnames:  McCOY, WICKHAM, THORNTON, ALLEN, BURDICK

 

Richard H. McCOY, born in Goshen, N.Y., April 30, 1811, married Mary Ann WICKHAM November 17, 1835, who was born June 4, 1811, and died November 30, 1889.  Mr. McCOY came to Ellicottville at an early day, and finally removed to Allegany and located where he now resides.  His children are Abigail (Mrs. David THORNTON), Elizabeth (Mrs. Seth D. ALLEN), Richard, Albert, Mary Ann (died in infancy), Alfred, and Susan.  Richard McCOY enlisted in Co. I, 64th N. Y. Vols., was wounded at Fair Oaks, was confined in Libby, Salisbury, and Belle Isle prisons, and married, May 1, 1867, Sarah B. BURDICK, and has three children: Albertus A., Gertrude B., and Florence L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 439

 

Surnames:  McINTOSH, EVERTS, PRATT, JOHNSON, PARKER

 

Silvertus D. McINTOSH was born at Homer, Cortland county, May 13, 1831.  He came to Humphrey with his parents, Jonathan and Annie McINTOSH, when thirteen years of age.  He served in the Rebellion on the U. S. steamer Paw Paw and died Jan. 9, 1866.  He married, Jan. 5, 1861, Cornelia S., daughter of Rollin and Susan (EVERTS) PRATT, who came from Vermont to Olean in 1838, where Mr. PRATT died in 1886 and his wife June 19, 1889.  Mrs. McINTOSH resides on the homestead.  They reared children as follows: Salina G., Addie C. (Mrs. Myron D. JOHNSON), Annis S. (Mrs. John A. PARKER), Jonathan E., Elizabeth C., Lillie F., Grace U., and Judson R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 439

 

Surnames:  McMAHAN, CLARY, DEVEREUX, EDGERTON, HICKEY

 

Thomas McMAHAN, brother of John McMAHAN, of Ellicottville, was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1830, came to America with his younger brother, James, about 1844, and spent the remainder of his youth in Ellicottville, where he married Ann CLARY.  Soon afterward he settled in Allegany and engaged in farming on the DEVEREUX farm.  Later he purchased the EDGERTON homestead on the Five Mile, where he was a thrifty farmer and an extensive dealer in live stock.  Mr. McMAHAN was a man of integrity, sound judgment, and of more than ordinary business ability.  He died May 14, 1877.  Mrs. McMAHAN survives and resides on the homestead.  Their children are Mary A. (Mrs. Eugene HICKEY), of Allegany; Nora T., John C., and Thomas F., who reside with their mother; and James G., an enterprising merchant in Ellicottville, secretary of the Board of Trade, and for a time a member of the Board of Village Trustees.  John C. McMAHAN, like his father, is one of the heaviest dealers in live stock in Cattaraugus county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 439

 

Surnames:  MILLER, RUPPERT, SCHRADER

 

John MILLER was born in Bavaria, Dec. 14, 1833.  He came to Maryland in 1853 and in 1860 removed to Allegany, where in 1883 he built the MILLER block, which contains a hall capable of seating about 500 people.  Mr. MILLER was overseer of the poor eleven years, commissioner of public highways two years, and school trustee fifteen years.  He married, in Nov., 1855, Rose RUPPERT, who died Nov. 24, 1886.  By her he had eight children: Eve, Joseph, Polly, John, Kate, Andrew, Charles, and Rose, all of whom are living except Eve, who died November 5, 1879.  He married, second, Mary SCHRADER, of Salamanca, Sept. 10, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 439

 

Surnames:  MOHR, MIAR

 

Henry MOHR was born in Germany, July 8, 1832, came to Buffalo and thence to Allegany in 1853, settling on 125 acres of land which he has cleared.  June 10, 1859, he married Ann MIAR, who was born in Germany, June 26, 1834.  They have eight children; Joseph, Katie, Andrew, John, George, Anna, Frank, and Martha.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 439

 

Surnames:  MORTIMER, KEMMER, SPINDLER

 

John MORTIMER was born in Belgium, October 28, 1828, came to Allegany in 1854, and settled on Chipmunk creek.  In 1860 he returned to Belgium on a visit and there married Mary KEMMER, March 4, 1861.  In 1867 he took possession of their present home.  Their children are John H., Josephine A. (Mrs. John J. SPINDLER), Henry F., and Mary A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 440

 

Surnames:  MULTRUS, ZINK, SMITH

 

Joseph H. MULTRUS was born in Dayton, December 8, 1857.  September 18, 1883, he married Mrs. Libbie (ZINK) SMITH, daughter of William F. ZINK, of Allegany, by whom he has had three children, viz.: Mary, Libbie, and Joseph.  Mr. MULTRUS is a prosperous farmer in the town of Allegany.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 440

 

Surnames:  NENNO, ZINK, FURNACE

 

Nicholas H. NENNO was born in Buffalo, June 5, 1838, came to this town about 1857, and was a farmer and lumberman.  About 1867 he bought the farm where his widow now resides.  February 13, 1890, Mr. NENNO was killed by falling from the top of a tank house at the oil well on the ZINK farm, where he was at work.  At the time of his death he was poormaster and president of Branch 41, C. M. B. A.  January 15, 1858, he married Barbara FURNACE, of Buffalo.  They reared twelve children: John, William, Mary, George, Michael, Joseph, Victor, Lena, Frank, Freddie, Charles, and Edward.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 440

 

Surnames:  NESSEL, GRIMES, BOUGHTON, DYE

 

Joseph NESSEL was born in Montgomery county January 15, 1830, and about 1855 married Almari GRIMES, of Vermont.  Their two children were George H. and Mary.  When sixteen years of age Mr. NESSEL came to this town and contracted for 378 acres of land, which he paid for by clearing off the timber and converting it into lumber.  His first habitation was a log cabin, which stood 150 rods from his present home.  Four years later he erected another near by and subsequently a third on the site of his present residence.  This burned down February 1, 1885.  He was one of the earliest settlers on the Four Mile and has always been considered a solid, substantial citizen.  His son George H. was born in March, 1857, married Harriet BOUGHTON, and has one child, Joseph B.  The daughter, Mary, born in 1859, married Charles O. DYE, and died in 1884; Mr. DYE's death occurred in 1885.  They left one child, Florence E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 440

 

Surnames:  NORWOOD, LAKE, HILLS, PHILLIPS

 

Thomas C. NORWOOD was born in Caroline, N. Y., Dec. 30, 1820, and came to Allegany on a visit about 1842.  After remaining one year he returned to Tompkins county, but in 1860 came back and settled permanently.  He has been a farmer and blacksmith.  He married, in 1846, Sarah LAKE, of Tompkins county, who bore him three children: Byron, Fred H., and Nettie.

Byron NORWOOD was born Oct. 30, 1847, and for about twenty years has been express messenger between Salamanca and Chicago.  He married Jennie HILLS, of Allegany, November 1, 1872, and they have had four children -- Harry, Guy, Genevieve, and Geraldine.

Fred H. NORWOOD was born Aug. 27, 1849, and is a farmer.  He married Celestia PHILLIPS, Oct. 14, 1875, and has two children, Agnes G. and Emma D.

Nettie NORWOOD, born July 28, 1852, died April 15, 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 440

 

Surnames:  PERRIGO, STEDMAN, BESSEY, RAISH, CHASE

 

Lyman PERRIGO, a native of Franklinville, was born Sept. 20, 1832, and married, July 4, 1853, Mary Ann, only child and daughter of Frederick and Maria M. (STEDMAN) BESSEY, who bore him two children – Fred C., born Feb. 2, 1856, married Flora, daughter of Thomas and Eliza RAISH, of Allegany Oct. 26, 1885, has two children, Raymond N. and Clarence R., and resides on the homestead; and Estella M., born May 20, 1859, married Edwin E. CHASE, Nov. 6, 1877, and had one child, Mortimer D.  Frederick BESSEY was born in Vermont, Feb. 6, 1808; his wife was also born there May 15, 1813; they were married Sept. 29, 1833.  They came to Allegany in 1845.  He died here March 30, 1875.  His widow survives him and resides with her daughter, Mary Ann PERRIGO, who was born Sept. 5, 1834.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 440 & 441

 

Surnames:  PHELPS, TORREY, KEYES, SCOFIELD

 

Dudley PHELPS, son of Gideon Spencer PHELPS, was born Sept. 5, 1834, in the town of Barker, Broome county.  He came to Friendship, Allegany county, in 1854, where, in 1855, he married Maria TORREY, who bore him two children: Jennie E. (Mrs. S. G. KEYES) and Charles S. both of Gowanda.  The family came to Allegany in 1856, where Mrs. PHELPS died Sept. 10, 1863, while her husband was in the army.  On Aug. 6, 1862, Mr. PHELPS enlisted in Co. C, 154th N. Y. Vols., and served until the war closed, being promoted corporal.  He married, second, Nov. 23, 1865, Julia A., daughter of Amos SCOFIELD, of Allegany.  Mr. PHELPS is a general merchant, and is serving his eighteenth term as town clerk.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 441

 

Surnames:  PHILLIPS, RANNEY, NORWOOD, PLATNER, McNALL

 

Abiathar PHILLIPS, Sr., was born at Ashfield, Mass., Oct. 27, 1774, and married Hannah RANNEY, Dec. 4, 1800.  He came to Phelps, Ontario county, about 1820, and in 1828 removed to this town with his oldest son, Abiathar, Jr., locating on land where Fred NORWOOD now lives.  In the summer of 1829 he brought his family to this home, where he and his wife resided the remainder of their lives.  He died Feb. 1, 1863, and his wife July 28, 1857.  They reared twelve children: Esther, Eliza, Abiathar, Jr., George, Anna, Samuel R., Jared, Harriet, William H., Charles H., Alonzo F., and John P., of whom four sons are living: Abiathar, Jr., William H., Charles H., and John P.  Mr. PHILLIPS served as supervisor of the town in 1845 and 1846.  John P. PHILLIPS resides in this town and is a farmer.  He married Sophronia PLATNER.  Jared D. PHILLIPS, son of Samuel R., was born in Allegany, Oct. 30, 1841.  He married Mary J., daughter of Levi McNALL, Nov. 1, 1876.  They have one child, Myrtie M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 441

 

Surnames:  POTTER, PRIEST, LITTLE, CURTISS

 

Jeremiah POTTER was born in Otsego county in 1796.  He married Betsey PRIEST, and with his wife and three children came to Farmersville about 1839.  There they died, she in 1851 and he in 1871.  They reared three children: Eliza A., who married Walter N. LITTLE, of Farmersville, and died on the homestead in October, 1886; Augustus F., who married Elmira CURTISS, of Bradford, Pa., and resides in Wisconsin; and Chester L., who was born Aug. 6, 1834.  The latter served in the late war in Co. K, 105th N. Y. Vols.  He married Mahala PRIEST, Sept. 30, 1870, and came to Allegany in 1880, where they still reside.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 441

 

Surnames:  PRESACK, DOMBROWSKY

 

Joseph PRESACK, born in Germany, June 18, 1838, emigrated to America in 1862.  He served in the late war in Co. I, 16th N. Y. Cav., and was discharged Sept. 21, 1865.  He came to Allegany in 1866 and worked at his trade of blacksmith until poor health obliged him to make a change.  He is now in the insurance business.  Oct. 30, 1866, he married Frances DOMBROWSKY, of Allegany, and they have had four children: Randolph, Frank, Lizzie, and Gustave.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 441

 

Surnames:  SCHIFTER, BOCKMIER, HARBEL, FELT

 

George SCHIFTER was born in Germany, February 10, 1817.  In 1852, the year he came to America, he married Mary A. BOCKMIER.  They settled in Clearfield county, Pa., whence they moved to this town about 1857.  Their first home here was on the Nine Mile run, but in 1865 they located in Allegany village, where they died – Mr. SCHIFTER on May 19, 1875, and his wife on June 30, 1884.  They had nine children, viz.: Caroline, Mary, and George who died in infancy, Katie (deceased), Rose (Mrs. John HARBEL), Tresea (Mrs. Andrew HARBEL), Mary, Lena (Mrs. Joseph FELT), and Michael.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 441

 

Surnames:  SCHULTZ, SMITH, LAMB

 

William F. SCHULTZ was born in Buffalo on the 5th of December, 1860.  His father, Charles H. SCHULTZ, moved with his family to this town in 1861, arriving here on the 8th of November, where the son has since resided.  His wife is Mary SMITH, by whom he has one son, Howard H.  Mr. SCHULTZ's mother's maiden name was Christina LAMB.  The family is a prominent one in the German element of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 441 & 442

 

Surnames:  SCOFIELD, LINES, SELLECK, BULLOCK, PHELPS, SMITH, CLAYTON

 

Amos SCOFIELD was born in Hadley, Saratoga county, February 22, 1810, and came as a lumberman to the town of Allegany in 1839, settling on Five Mile run, where he died April 15, 1858.  By his wife, Ruth LINES, who died here January 21, 1880, he had seven children, viz.: Harriet (deceased), who married Rev. E. J. SELLECK; Augusta Charlotte (Mrs. A. W. BULLOCK), of Allegany; Julia A. (Mrs. Dudley PHELPS), of Allegany; Ellen Lorette (Mrs. Frank S. SMITH), of Binghamton; Lovina E. (Mrs. Rev. T. E. CLAYTON), of Ocean Grove, N. J.; Amos B., of Rochester; and Willis J., of Allegany.  Mr. SCOFIELD was prominent in town affairs and owned and operated several saw-mills at various times.  His brothers Barzilla settled in Portville, Harvey in Hinsdale, and Shadrack in Oneida county – all in 1839.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 442

 

Surnames:  SHELDON, LAMBERTON, OVEROCKER, BROWN, PARK

 

George C. SHELDON, a native of New Hartford, Conn., was born Jan. 13, 1811, and when about twenty-one years of age came to Allegany, where he died Oct. 7, 1882.  He was a member of the Free Methodist church.  Nov. 4, 1834, he married Julia LAMBERTON, of Allegany, by whom he had five children.  Mrs. SHELDON was born September 28, 1818, and died in 1853.  Mr. SHELDON married, second, Elizabeth OVEROCKER, in 1856, who survived but a few years.  He married again, in June, 1866, Mrs. Rebecca H. BROWN, who still resides on the homestead with Norton T. SHELDON.  The children of George C. and Julia SHELDON were George L., Mary A., Norton T., Charles C., and Margaret S.  George L., born October 18, 1835, enlisted in Co. I, 64th N. Y. Vols., and served three years.  He is a baker in Allegany.  He married Georgianna PARK and they have four children: Charles F., Park C., a wholesale liquor dealer in Allegany, Luceba H., and Bennie D.  Norton T. SHELDON resides on the homestead and owns, besides, a saw-mill near the mouth of Five Mile creek.  September 26, 1866, he married Louisa A. BROWN, and their children are Estella J., Minnie L., and Clare E.  Charles C. SHELDON, Jr., died Jan. 7, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 442

 

Surnames:  SMITH, ANGLE, HAASE, WILLARD, BURGER, GOODWIN, WRIGHT

 

John G. SMITH was born in Germany, April 15, 1803.  There he married Katharine R. ANGLE in 1838 and emigrated to America in December, 1851, settling first in Buffalo and in 1856 in Allegany, where he died March 23, 1876, and his wife February 8, 1885.  They had born to them seven children, three of whom died in infancy.  The others were Katharine A., Frederick, George, and John S.

Katharine A. married Henry F. HAASE, of Allegany.

Frederick SMITH was born in Germany, October 21, 1841, came to America with his parents, and commenced his business life as a clerk with Erastus WILLARD, who in 1868 admitted him to an equal partnership, which continued until 1884, when Mr. SMITH became sole owner.  April 21, 1881, he married Mary L. BURGER, who was born in Olean, Aug. 19, 1856, and graduated from the State Normal School at Fredonia.  They have three children: Raymond, Georgianna and Clinton.

George SMITH was born Jan. 20, 1845, and served in Co. I, 64th N. Y. Vols., being fatally wounded in the battle of Gettysburg.

John S. SMITH, born Aug. 16, 1859, is engaged in the mercantile business with his brother.  He married Emma L., daughter of Isaac and Eliza J. (GOODWIN) WRIGHT, Sept. 8, 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 442 & 443

 

Surnames:  SPRAKER, SOUTER, HYDE, CARR, HALL, FRANK, MIXER

 

The SPRAKER family in Allegany has been one of the most prominent families in the town.  The record goes back to William SPRAKER, who was born in Germany, Oct. 9, 1808, and there married Christina SOUTER.  They emigrated to America in 1847 and located in Erie county.  Only two of their nine children are living.  Mr. SPRAKER came to Allegany in May, 1854, and died in the village May 30, 1875.  His son, William SPRAKER, Jr., born in Germany, December 11, 1838, came with his parents to this town in 1854 and has since been one of its foremost citizens.  His education was obtained in the common schools of Erie county and clerking was his early occupation.  August 21, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 64th N. Y. Vols., and participated in ten regular engagements, receiving a wound at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863, and being discharged May 3, 1864.  Mr. SPRAKER was appointed postmaster Dec. 20, 1865, and was re-appointed in 1875, serving continuously from then until 1887.  He was again appointed in 1891 and is the present incumbent of that position.  He has also served as town clerk and in other capacities, and is a member and has been an officer of the local G. A. R. Post.  October 29, 1867, he married Susan E. HYDE, who died Aug. 12, 1886; she bore him three children: Clarence H., Lois M. (Mrs. Miner CARR), and George V.  He married, second, Mrs. Phoebe HALL, sister of his first wife, on June 28, 1887, by whom he has one child, Harold E.  Henry HYDE, the father of Mr. SPRAKER's two wives, was born in Germany and came to Allegany in 1855.

 

Charles SPRAKER, the other surviving son of William SPRAKER, Sr., was born Oct. 20, 1842, and Feb. 18, 1868, at Olean, he married Mary FRANK.  He began life as a clerk for Marsh & Van Campen in March, 1857, in which capacity he continued until just before his marriage, when he was admitted to the firm under the name of Marsh & Co.  In 1876 he formed the firm of SPRAKER & MIXER, and in April, 1881, bought his partner out.  February 22, 1889, a fire destroyed his mercantile establishment, but he soon rebuilt and started anew, He has two children, Frank and Anna.  Mr. SPRAKER has served as town clerk and in 1885 he represented Allegany on the Board of Supervisors.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 443

 

Surnames:  STEPHEN, FRANK, HETZ, WELCH, NOONAN, TRAVERS

 

William M. STEPHAN was a native of Germany, where he was born Oct. 8, 1819.  He came to the United States in 1850 and after living in Buffalo four years removed to Allegany, locating on Nine Mile run.  In 1864 he settled on the Four Mile, where he still resides, being one of the early settlers in that locality.  Mr. STEPHAN has held several town offices and has been quite an extensive oil producer.  In 1849 he married Mary FRANK, who was born Aug. 29, 1816.  Their children are Charles P., born Jan. 12, 1853, married Emma, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth HETZ, Oct. 3, 1881; Clara, born Feb. 16, 1854, married Michael WELCH; George; Mary J., born Dec. 3, 1856, married Patrick NOONAN; and Frank H., born Nov. 27, 1858, married, Dec. 25, 1883, Maggie A., daughter of Frank and Margaret TRAVERS, and has had born to them these children: Jennie M., Laura P., and Francis (deceased).  The children of Charles P. STEPHAN are William Henry, Frank A., Elmer H., and John M.  George STEPHEN, third child of William M., was born Sept. 8, 1855, and until 1880 was engaged in lumbering.  In that year he located on his present farm.  Dec. 27, 1880 he married Mary NOONAN and their children are Celia, Fred, Clara (deceased), Albert, Agnes, and Eddie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 443 & 444

 

Surnames:  STRONG, WHITE, CLIFFORD, FOX, ANDREWS, MAY, LEMON

 

James STRONG, son of Solomon and Mary (WHITE) STRONG, born in Vermont, May 3, 1868, married Catharine CLIFFORD, of New Hampshire, in 1799, came to. Olean in 1819, and two years later removed to Allegany, settling where the widow of his son James, Jr., now resides.  The first marriage in Allegany occurred at his house, being that of his daughter Sally to William B. FOX in 1825.  James STRONG died April 20, 1839, and his wife, Catharine, Aug. 16, 1852.  Their children were Almeda, Solomon, Sally, Emily, Luthera, James, Jr., Catharine, Adeline, William, and Jame A., all deceased.  James STRONG, Jr., married Carmale, daughter of Rhody (ANDREWS) MAY, of Hinsdale, April 25, 1857, and died in June, 1882.  His widow survives him and lives on the old homestead.  Their children were Eola and Lew J.  Eola, born Oct. 30, 1858, married Frank LEMON and has two children, Lew S. and Fred H.  Lew J., born Nov. 22, 1864, is a farmer and resides on the homestead.  William MAY, father of Mrs. James STRONG, Jr., died in 1840 and his wife Rhody in 1844.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 444

 

Surnames:  THORNTON, McCOY, FRANK

 

Davis THORNTON, born in Allegany county, July 2, 1828, came to this town when eighteen years of age and followed lumbering and rafting on the Allegheny river until 1889.  In the spring of 1890 he built the Allegheny River House near the Indian reservation.  He married, first, Abigail, daughter of Richard H. McCOY, who was the mother of his son David.  Mrs. THORNTON died May 27, 1856.  His second wife was Lydia A. FRANK, by whom he has three daughters, Katie, Mary, and Abbie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 444

 

Surnames:  WHEELER, LINDSLEY, SPALDING, HATCH, REDOUT, CURTISS, HAYNES, PETERSON, KAHN

 

William H. WHEELER was born in Washington county, January 1, 1824.  He married Rebecca LINDSLEY, July 4, 1845, who was born October 15, 1826.  Mr. WHEELER came to this county when about ten years of age, with his parents, who settled in Yorkshire.  He now resides in Allegany and is a farmer.  He has two brothers, Charles M. and Joseph A. WHEELER, and one sister, Mrs. Helen M. SPALDING, who reside in this town.  William H. WHEELER has eleven children: Devillow, born in Yorkshire, October 4, 1846, enlisted in the late war at the age of sixteen in Co. I, 154th N. Y. Vols., and starved to death at Andersonville prison; William W., born at Yorkshire, August 26, 1848, served in the late war in Co. A, 188th N. Y. Vols., married Julia H., daughter of Marshall and Emma HATCH, April 23, 1874, who was born November 1, 1856, and has six children, Jennie R., Alice A., J. Russell, George P., William W., Jr., and Matie E.; Myron Devereux, born in Allegany, December 8, 1850 married Emeline REDOUT, and resides in South Saginaw, Mich.; George C., who died in infancy; Caroline H., born May 9, 1855, married John CURTISS, Jr.; Halsey A., born June 28, 1858, married Emelia REDOUT; Hannah L., born June 25, 1860, married Russell HAYNES; Nancy, born February 7, 1863, married Theodore PETERSON, and died in 1879; Guy I., born October 15, 1866, in Allegany; John H., born September 18, 1869, died in infancy; and Ada, born February 1, 1872, married John KAHN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 444

 

Surnames:  WARD, HANEY, SMITH

 

Dwight W. WARD, second son of Robert D. and Mary A. (HANEY) WARD, was born in Jamestown, N. Y.  Robert D. was an only son and was born in Ireland, October 20, 1812, emigrating thence to America in 1828, the voyage lasting three months.  Learning the cabinet maker's trade in Bath, N., Y., where he married Mary A. HANEY on September 24, 1833, he removed to Jamestown, where he ran a foundry for fourteen years, when he engaged in hotel keeping until his death in 1857.  His widow with her family removed to Allegany in 1859 and resides with her daughter, Mrs. William H. SMITH.  Their children were Elida S. (Mrs. W. H. SMITH), Hibbard P., Dwight W., John D. (deceased), and Mary E. (deceased).  Dwight W. WARD was born February 12, 1849.  Coming to this town in 1859 he subsequently purchased what was known as WARD's Hotel, now called Park Hotel, which he conducted until 1883, when he engaged in the business of developing the oil fields and producing oil, in which he has been one of the most extensive operators in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 444

 

Surnames:  WILBER, PALMER

 

Henry WILBER was born in the town of Humphrey, and has one child, Henry S., who was born in Allegany, Jan. 21, 1884.  Mr. WILBER is manager of Sheldon's Allegany cheese factory.  His father, Philo C. WILBER, came from Onondaga county to this county when about nine years of age.  He married Catherine PALMER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 444 & 445

 

Surnames:  WILLARD, REYNOLDS, HUNTLEY

 

Erastus WILLARD, son of Sherlock and Elizabeth (REYNOLDS) WILLARD, was born in Lisle, N. Y. March 23, 1823, while his parents were moving from Fort Edward to Cattaraugus county.  The family settled in Franklinville.  In the fall of 1843 he came to Allegany (then Burton) and taught a district school, which closed in March, 1844.  In December of this year he began his mercantile life in this town.  Mr. WILLARD began a small business with small means, and constantly increased both until he finally had one of the largest and best stores in western New York.  He took an active interest in local Democratic politics, and was supervisor in 1850 and from 1865 to 1867 inclusive, and served his town as justice of the peace about forty years.  In 1877 he was his party's candidate for member of Assembly, but his district being overwhelmingly Republican he was defeated.  He was loyal and true during the Rebellion, and although he was not drafted he nevertheless, in accordance with his convictions of duty, placed a substitute in the army.  April 26, 1848, he married Harriet A., daughter of Henry HUNTLEY and a native of Herkimer, N. Y., and granddaughter of Abner HUNTLEY, who was born near Bunker Hill, Mass., in 1767.  Her father was born in 1804 and she was born in Cuba, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1828.  Mr. WILLARD's children were Charles, born in Allegany, March 11, 1849, died Nov. 10, 1865; Clare, born July 28, 1870, who is his father's successor in business and the proprietor of WILLARD's Stock Farm; and Hattie, born Aug. 5, 1872, died Sept. 7th following.  Mr. WILLARD died Dec. 31, 1889.  Mr. and Mrs. WILLARD were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Allegany and he was one of its liberal supporters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 445

 

Surnames:  WILTSE, HALL, JONES, WILBER, KENYON, VAN BRUNT

 

William WILTSE was a native of Marcellus, Onondaga county, and was born April 2, 1802.  On the 26th of April, 1821, he married Sophia HALL, who was born in Connecticut on March 10, 1800.  They came to Allegany in the spring of 1848 and the next year built a hotel, which they kept until 1859, when they engaged in farming, continuing in it until his death Oct. 7, 1865, her death occurring June 5, 1874.  Their children were Cornell, Charles C., and Danford W.  Cornell WILTSE, born May 16, 1824, came to this town with his parents, and married Electa JONES, of Hinsdale; they have one child, Wesley C., a Baptist preacher who married Louisa WILBER, of Allegany.  Charles C. WILTSE was born December 19, 1827, and died May 28, 1866.  Dec. 7, 1847, he married Abigail KENYON, who survives him and resides in this town; their daughter Orcelia is the wife of Orran VAN BRUNT.  Danford W. WILTSE was born Aug. 17, 1833; he resides in Springville, N. Y.  Amos JONES, the father of Mrs. Cornell WILTSE, came with his wife Eliza to Allegany in 1841 and in 1867 removed to Minnesota.  They had eleven children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 445

 

Surnames:  WING, BLOWER, CONNHAISER, BARNES

 

Asa S. WING was born in Oneida county, March 7, 1837.  He came to East Otto with his parents when twelve years of age.  He was a soldier in the late war in Co. G, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was taken prisoner at Gettysburg and confined in Libby prison.  He came to Allegany in 1865.  Mr. WING married, first, Louisa BLOWER, of Oneida county; their three children died in infancy.  His second wife, Catharine CONNHAISER, whom he married in June, 1862, was born in Germany, March 9, 1837.  Their children were Eliza L. (Mrs. Thomas A. BARNES), Nelson, Julia, Edward, Emma, Georgie Anna, Charles E., Elizabeth C., and Samuel.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 445

 

Surnames:  WOODARD, FRANKLIN

 

Frederick J. WOODARD, born in Bolivar, Allegany county, July 16, 1859, learned the printer's trade at Wellsville in the office of the Allegany County Reporter, and was employed three years in the Herald office in Olean.  In 1885 he came to Allegany and purchased the farm where he now lives.  He married Anna FRANKLIN, of Portround, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 26, 1881, and by her has had two children: George and Artiemarie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Pages 445 & 446

 

Surnames:  ZINK, CRIQUIE, KENOCH, ROBINSON, MULTRUS, SMITH, LINEHART, REITZ, BRITCHEL

 

William F. ZINK, born in Germany, Feb. 3,1828, emigrated to Buffalo with his parents in 1831.  He came to this town in 1855 and is engaged in farming.  Mr. ZINK married, Feb. 3, 1851, May C. CRIQUIE, who was born in Buffalo, Oct. 9, 1829.  She is said to have been the first German child born in that city.  Their children were William, Jr., born Nov. 23, 1851, married Rickey KENOCH; Minnie, born Feb. 3, 1853, married John W. ROBINSON; Frank, born June 8, 1856, married Rosa MULTRUS; Libbie born April 15, 1859, married, first, April 24, 1877, Sebastian SMITH, who died Sept. 13, 1880, and second, Sept. 18, 1883, Joseph H. MULTRUS, and their children are Mary, Libbie, and Joseph, Jr., Mrs. MULTRUS's first children being Frank and Nellie SMITH; John F., born May 5, 1861, married Lizzie LINEHART; George H., born June 6, 1865, married Mary REITZ; Mary Z., born Aug. 7, I870, died Sept. 28, 1870; and Mary M., born June 29, 1872.  Francis ZINK, father of William F. ZINK, was born in Germany in 1800.  He there married Bridget BRITCHEL, who with him came to America in 1831, settling at Eden Corners, Erie county.  He died May 29, 1855, in Allegany, at the residence of his son.  His wife survived him until April 9, 1880.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Allegany – Chapter XVIII (18)

Page 446

 

Surnames:  ZISTER, WEAVER, HYDE

 

Michael ZISTER, born in Germany about 1818, came to Buffalo about 1850, and a few years later settled in Allegany.  He had thirteen children, of whom seven are living.  His wife was Louisa A. WEAVER, who died in 1888.  Michael ZISTER died in 1867.  John ZISTER, son of Michael, was born in Buffalo, Jan. 3, 1856.  He came to Allegany with his parents and married Elizabeth, daughter of Sebastian HYDE, Aug. 16, 1880.  They have had born to them five children, viz.: Edna C., Alice L., Clara E., Clarence, and Laura A.

 

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TOWN OF ASHFORD

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 453

 

Surnames:  ALDRICH, ENSWORTH, BALDWIN

 

Jirah S. ALDRICH, son of Rev. Adon ALDRICH, was born in Walrath, Wayne county, Nov. 20, 1823, removed to Fabius, and in 1852 came to Ashford, where he purchased of Andrew STEVENS the farm where he now resides.  His father, who resided with him, died in July of that year.  Mr. ALDRICH taught common and singing schools several years, served as town superintendent of schools two years, and justice of the peace eight years.  He has been identified with the Congregational church since its organization.  He married Cordelia H., daughter of Tracy ENSWORTH, by whom he has children as follows: Leroy, of Williams, Iowa;  Cornelia, deceased;  Alma (Mrs. O. A. BALDWIN) of Bradford, Pa.; and Fred, of Ashford.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Pages 453 & 454

 

Surnames:  BIGELOW, GODDARD, SAMPSON

 

Job BIGELOW came from Brookline, Vt., to Ashford in 1825 and settled on the farm which Miss C. GODDARD now owns, and where he reared his ten children.  His son, Charles C. BIGELOW, was born in Brookline, Vt., Dec. 18, 1807 and removed to Ashford in 1825.  A few years later he began business for himself and bought the farm where his son Henry now lives.  He never "sought place or position, but was often chosen to fill positions of responsibility and trust".  He was an Odd Fellow and a Mason and was buried with Masonic honors.  He married Roxana, daughter of Peter SAMPSON, by whom he had ten children;  those now living are William W., Caroline, Henry W., Maria, Adaline and Charles D.  William W. resides in Chicago, Charles D. in Buffalo and the others in Ashford.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 454

 

Surnames:  BLOCK, KRUSE

 

Joseph BLOCK was born in Mechlenberg [sic], Germany, and came to America in 1854 and to Ashford in 1857.  He married Dora, daughter of Frederick KRUSE;  their children were Charles, John, William L., Sophia, and Mary.  William L. BLOCK came to America with his parents at the age of twelve years.  Oct. 5, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 44th N. Y. Vols., and served three years, participating in the battles of Malvern Hill (where he was wounded), Fair Oaks, and Williamsburg.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 454

 

Surname:  CARTER

 

Joseph T. and Norman B. CARTER came to Ashford from Darien, Genesee county, in March, 1821, and purchased a quarter section of lot 45.  They were bachelors and kept their own house.  N. B. was one of the first school commissioners and was a justice of the peace in 1834, and taught one of the first schools in the town in the winter of 1822-1823.  These brothers removed to Michigan in 1835.  Their brother, Russell M. CARTER, who had visited Ashford in 1822, settled on a part of lot 45 in 1825 and later located on the farm where William and George SHULTIS first settled in 1818.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 454

 

Surnames:  CHAMBERLAIN, EHMAN, HUNTLEY, WILLIS, McKAY, HICKS, BEMIS

 

Hiram CHAMBERLAIN, son of Piny CHAMBERLAIN, a native of Massachusetts, came from Genesee county to Ashford in 1832.  He made the first settlement on the farm now owned by Christian EHMAN.  His children were Cordelia, widow of Daniel HUNTLEY, of Ellicottville; Lucinda, widow of Hezekiah WILLIS, of Little Valley; Joanna (Mrs. H. V. R. McKAY), of Ellicottville; Hudson, of West Valley; and Martha (Mrs. HICKS), deceased.  He filled several town offices and spent the last years of his life with his son Hudson, where he died March 28, 1882, aged eighty-two years.  Hudson CHAMBERLAIN was born in Ashford, Oct. 21, 1833.  He began the trade of a carpenter at the age of twenty and has since been a successful contractor and builder.  He has held several town offices.  He married Julia A., daughter of Edwin BEMIS, of Ashford, and they have two children, Cora E. and Edwin B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 454

 

Surnames:  COLE, BIGELOW, BEMIS

 

Daniel Mansfield COLE was the oldest of four children of a crippled father, and was born in Dummerston, Vt.  His first wife was Polly BIGELOW, and together they came to Cattaraugus county while it was yet a wilderness, arriving in Ashford on November 26, 1826, with five children.  Mrs. COLE died September 22, 1834, and Mr. COLE married, second, December 26, 1835, Nancy BIGELOW, a sister of his first wife.  She died May 23, 1838, and he married for the third time, July 18, 1843, Polly BEMIS.  Mr. COLE passed through many vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, but throughout his long life he was esteemed and honored for sterling qualities of head and heart.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 454

 

Surnames:  CONRAD, LEEZER

 

Peter CONRAD, son of Jacob, a native of Germany, came to America with his father in 1847 and settled first in Hamburg, N.Y.  In 1866 he came to Ashford.  He married Wilhelmina LEEZER and has five children: Peter, Carrie, Lottie, Lora, and George.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Pages 454‑455

 

Surnames:  DEMON, BROOKS, SAMPSON, FOLTS, DAVIS

 

Abel DEMON emigrated from Ware, Mass., and settled in Ashford in 1836 on the farm now occupied by Joseph DEMON.  He married Catharine BROOKS, and they had nine children, namely: Judah, Edmond, Angeline, Betsey, Lydia. Wesley, Joseph, Catharine, and Charles.  Joseph DEMON, who came to Ashford with his parents, married Parmelia SAMPSON, by whom he had three children: Lydia (Mrs. A. C. FOLTS), of Ashford; Addison, of Yorkshire; and Margaret (Mrs. George W. DAVIS), of  Yorkshire.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  EHMAN, CARTER, HAUFFMAN, GROFF

 

Frederick EHMAN, a native of Germany, came to America in 1853 and soon afterward settled on the farm now owned by John CARTER in Ellicottville.  He married Augusta HAUFFMANN, who bore him nine children.  Christian EHMAN, their son, born Feb. 5, 1843, came to America with his parents and Aug. 30, 1861, enlisted in Co. E, 5th N. Y. Cav. (First Ira Harris Guards) and served until Dec. 31, 1863, when he was discharged.  He re-enlisted and served until July 19, 1865.  He was detailed as a scout under W. Boise and for a time was his orderly.  He was color-bearer at Gainsboro and carried the flag presented to the regiment by the ladies of New York.  In his hands it received its first and only shot.  Mr. EHMAN is a farmer, and was instrumental in organizing the Northern Farmers’ Agricultural Association, being its president the first two years of its existence.  He settled in West Valley in 1873.  By his wife, Sophia GROFF, he has had these children: Walter C., Frank C. J.,  Dorothy M. R. J., and Rosetta A. K.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  EMERSON, CHASE

 

William L. EMERSON came from Windham county, Vt., in 1840.  He married in Vermont Miss Maria CHASE, and their children were William F., Edward, Hiram, Mary, Sylvia, Clarissa and Arnold.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  FOLTS, CLAPSADDLE, VAN SLYKE, MUNGER, FRANK, UPSON

 

Joseph FOLTS came to this town in 1832 from Herkimer county.  He was an axe maker by trade.  He married Elizabeth CLAPSADDLE, who bore him ten children, of whom those living are William, of Mansfield; Sally, widow of John VAN SLYKE, of Sardinia; Elizabeth (Mrs. Justin MUNGER), of Little Valley; and Oliver, of Ashford.

 

Timothy FOLTS, son of Joseph, settled in Ashford about 1834.  He was a moulder by trade, but gave his attention to farming.  In 1853 he purchased the farm where his son, Allen C. FOLTS, now lives, and where he died in May, 1872.  He married Mary, daughter of John FRANK, of Ashford, and of their nine children only Wealthy (Mrs. Robert FRANK) and Mary (Mrs. Solomon UPSON), of Springville, Frank and Newton, of Machias, and Allen C. are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  FOX, BROOKS

 

Javan FOX removed from Fabius, N.Y., to Ashford in 1825 and purchased of his uncle, Marsena BROOKS, the farm where George O. FOX now lives.  He cultivated his large farm and was a teamster between Buffalo and Ellicottville.  He was employed to haul the lime for the county buildings in Ellicottville; he dealt in flour and salt and later was a merchant several years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  FRANK, OYER, WEBER

 

Jacob FRANK was born in Frankfort, Herkimer county, in 1800.  He came to Ashford in 1817, but soon returned, and came again in 1831, settling permanently on the farm now owned by Adam OYER.  Mr. FRANK was a boatman on the Erie canal, and through him many emigrants were induced to settle in Ashford and vicinity.  He married Margaret WEBER and had eleven children.  In 1846 and 1847 he represented the town on the Board of Supervisors.  The family has been a prominent and substantial one in the history of Ashford.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  FULLER, HUGHEY

 

Almon FULLER, of Orwell, Vt., settled on Cattaraugus creek, in Erie county, in September, 1810.  In 1831 he removed to Ashford and located on the farm now owned by Edverdo HUGHEY.  He reared ten children, of whom only Almon, who resides in Ashford with his son Albert and Betsey are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 455

 

Surnames:  GIBSON, WAITE, ALDRO, TIBBETTS, SMITH

 

William GIBSON came to this town from Genesee county in 1834 and bought the improvements of Lorenzo WAITE, the farm where John ALDRO lives.  He worked at carpentering and farming.  He married Charlotte TIBBETTS, and of their seven children, Anna, John, Juliette, Garry, Peter, and Lavilla (Mrs. E. B. SMITH) are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 456

 

Surnames:  GROAT, NEFF, MABEE, DRAPER, NELLIGAN

 

Jasper GROAT settled in this town in 1829 where James NEFF now lives.  He came from Montgomery county.  His wife Maria, daughter of Uriah MABEE, bore him ten children, of whom eight are living, viz: Jerry, Uriah, John, Seth, Esley, Susan, Hurmey, and Deborah.  John GROAT, a native of Ashford, served in the war of the Rebellion, and married, first, Emily DRAPER, who was the mother of two children, Frank S. and Mary.  He married, second, Margaret NELLIGAN, by whom he has four children: Charles E., Jasper C., Jennie and Earl E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 456

 

Surnames:  HADLEY, HOLLAND, THOMAS

 

Cornelius HADLEY came to Ashford in 1842.  Alonzo and William HADLEY, sons of Jesse HADLEY, came to this town from Brattleboro, Vt., in 1843, and purchased the farm now owned by Otis HOLLAND.  Later Alonzo purchased the farm on which he now lives.  Nelson H., another son of Jesse HADLEY, came from Brattleboro, Vt., to Ashford in April, 1850, and purchased the farm where his son Henry H. now lives.  He died July 6, 1867.  By his wife, Catharine THOMAS, he had two children, Henry H. and Willard, both of Ashford.  Mr. HADLEY was a member of the Congregational church and much esteemed by his neighbors.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 456

 

Surnames:  HANSON, HUGHEY

 

Cornelius HANSON came to Ashford in 1836 from Glen, Montgomery county, and settled on land now owned by George HUGHEY.  Four of his six children are living: R. Hudson, Sarah A., Margaret, and Peter W.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 456

 

Surnames:  HOLDEN, GREEN, PRATT, WOODWORTH, ROBBINS

 

Arnold HOLDEN, son of Edward, a descendant of George HOLDEN of Revolutionary fame, removed from North Adams to Aurora , Erie county, and in 1829 settled in the town of Ashford.  He built one of the first framed buildings in town for the purpose of carrying on the business of carding wool and dressing cloth, and eventually used it for manufacturing cloth.  It was one of the first establishments of the kind in the county.  This he run successfully until the business declined, when Mr. HOLDEN became a farmer.  He was prominent in the affairs of his town and used his influence to advance the cause of education and the general good of society.  He was supervisor in 1831 and a justice of the peace a quarter of a century.  He also served as justice of sessions.  Mr. HOLDEN removed from Ashford about 1865 and died in Bradford, Pa., in 1869.  He reared ten children, all living: Julia (Mrs. A. M. GREEN): June M. (Mrs. N. PRATT): Sarah A. (Mrs. M. WOODWORTH): John R., of Franklinville: Amos B., of Sparta, Wis.:  Martha A. (Mrs. L. C. ROBBINS) and William A., of Ashford: Edwin C., of Topeka: Dennison F., of Oviatt, Mich.: and Nelson H., of White, S.D.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 456

 

Surnames:  HUFSTADER, ALLEN, DYGERT, BLOCK, FOX, HOLLAND, HUGHEY

 

Michael C. HUFSTADER came to Ashford from Frankfort, N.Y. in 1822, making the journey on foot and carrying his provisions on his back.  He came to live with his uncle Michael HUFSTADER, who had preceded him in 1820, but soon after “bound himself out” to Seth ALLEN, of Springville, and engaged in the manufacture of pearlash and potash.  In 1831 he married Sally, daughter of Abram DYGERT, of Frankfort, and settled in Ashford on the farm now owned by John BLOCK.  He was fond of hunting and fishing.  He killed a great number of deer and wildcats, and once or twice each season he made a fishing trip to Lake Erie.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. HUFSTADER were Willard, of Salem, Ore.; Michael, deceased: Hannah C. (Mrs. George O. FOX), of Ashford; and Mary E. (Mrs. John HOLLAND), Abram, and Sadie (Mrs. E. HUGHEY), also of Ashford.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Pages 456 ‑ 457

 

Surnames:  HUGHEY, McMICKLE, FOLTS, VEDDER

 

George HUGHEY, born of Scotch parentage in Dublin, Ireland, Dec. 14, 1803, learned the trade of paper making, and at the age of twenty-one emigrated to America, where he followed his avocation several years, and conducted a grocery and bakery in Schenectady.  In 1840 he came to Ashford and purchased and cleared the farm now owned by his son George H.  He served as highway commissioner, and both he and his wife were active members of the Baptist church.  He was honest and charitable.  He married Marry McMICKLE, who bore him eleven children: Mary A.; Eliza J.; James, of Ellicottville; John, 1st, drowned at Schenectady; John, 2d, born in Ashford, Sept. 24, 1847, married Ida FOLTS, of Mansfield, and has four children, Carl B., Claude L., Neil and Guy; Matilda; Catherine; Ellen; George H., born in Ashford, Oct. 9, 1843, owns the homestead, and for several years has been a dealer in live stock, produce, and real estate; Robert, a merchant in Ashford Hollow; and Rosanie.  George H. HUGHEY served Ashford on the Board of Supervisors in 1883, 1885, and 1892, and has held other town offices.  He married Adaliza, daughter of John A. VEDDER, of Ellicottville, and their children are Eugene G. and Vedder G.  Edverdo HUGHEY, son of James, served as highway commissioner in 1888 and 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 457

 

Surname: KRUSE

 

Herman KRUSE came to Ashford in 1858 and settled on the place where Henry KRUSE now lives.  William C. KRUSE represented the town on the Board of Supervisors in 1879 and 1880.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 457

 

Surnames:  LAMPMAN, FRANK

 

John LAMPMAN, from Schoharie county, settled in Ashford on the farm now owned by Elmer FRANK.  He cleared the place and died aged 102 years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 457

 

Surnames:  MULTER, WIDRIG, FRENCH, HINMAN, PICKETT, FOLTS

 

Peter A. MULTER came from Camillus, Onondaga county, to Ashford in 1831 and settled on the farm where his son Gilbert now lives.  He spent much of his life from home repairing clocks and watches.  He married Elizabeth WIDRIG, of Herkimer county, and had born to him nine children, six of whom are living: Gilbert, Jacob, Lydia A. (Mrs. Lawrence FRENCH), of Ashford, Margaret (Mrs. HINMAN), of Ellicottville, Eliza (Mrs. Eli PICKETT), of Wisconsin, and Adaline (Mrs. O. FOLTS), of Ashford.  Gilbert MULTER is a farmer on the old homestead.  Jacob MULTER has been engaged in the furniture and undertaker’s trade since 1859, and has served as justice of the peace about twenty-five years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 457

 

Surnames:  MURPHY, KIMBALL, HOLLAND, RICE, WEAVER, HOLDEN, PIERCE, BUCK, KRUSE, REED

 

Ormel MURPHY, son of John MURPHY, and grandson of John KIMBALL, a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Royalton, Vt., in 1801, came to Ashford in 1831 from Genesee county, and made the first settlement on the farm now owned by his son John L.  When Mr. MURPHY came to his home in the woods there were only the families of Nathaniel HOLLAND and William M. RICE living between him and Cattaraugus creek.  He married Minerva, daughter of Thomas WEAVER, of Darien, and their children were John L.; Betsey (Mrs. George HOLDEN), of Springville; Marilda (Mrs. John S. PIERCE), of Machias; and Omer, also of Machias.  John L. MURPHY was born in Darien, Oct. 28, 1830.  He was taught by his mother and with only two months at a select school, up to the age of eighteen, he began teaching in the common schools and continued for ten winter terms.  At the age of twenty-one, he was elected a justice of the peace, which office he held for thirty-five consecutive years.  He was supervisor of Ashford in 1881 and 1882 and is often employed as petfogger in justices’ courts.  He is a farmer and dealer in real estate.  He married, first, Calphurnia, daughter of Jeremiah BUCK, who was an early settler of Ellicottville.  Their children now living are Lucius J., of Bolivar; Orville W., a veterinary surgeon in Kansas; Albert H., of Ashford; and Lizzie (Mrs. William C. KRUSE), whose husband is president of Ridgeville College in Indiana.  Mr. MURPHY married, second, Adelphia, daughter of Stephen REED, a pioneer of Ashford who now resides in Little Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 458

 

Surnames:  NEFF, BELLOWS, BARGY, CRARY

 

Andrew B. NEFF, son of De Nike NEFF, was born in Glen, Montgomery county, September 14, 1840, and came to Ashford to live with his uncle, Isaac BELLOWS, when twelve years old.  He received his education in the common schools and in Springville Academy and taught district schools six winter terms.  Mr. NEFF purchased a farm of James J. BARGY, and he added to it until he now has about 1,000 acres.  He also owns three cheese factories in Ashford and one in Ellicottville, in which he manufactures full-cream cheese from the milk of 1,200 cows.  Mr. NEFF has represented Ashford on the Board of Supervisors nine terms and has recently been elected for another year.  He is now one of the Board of Directors of the Farmers’ Bank of Springville.  He married Ann, daughter of Frederick CRARY, of Springville, and their children are Charles C., Alice A., Andrew B., and Ellen C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 458

 

Surnames:  OYER, SMITH, HOLDEN, TEFFT, VEDDER, MILLER

 

John P. OYER, who came to Ashford from Herkimer county in 1827, made the first settlement on the farm now owned by Mrs. Sally SMITH.  His children were Philinda (Mrs. William A. HOLDEN), of Ashford; Mary (Mrs. Samuel TEFFT), of Springville; Betsey (Mrs. John A. VEDDER); and Sally (Mrs. William SMITH).  George OYER came from Herkimer county in 1828 and settled where his son Adam now lives.  His wife Mary MILLER bore him these children: Adam, Levi (deceased), David, and Simon.  The latter was born in Ashford, November 5, 1831, is a shoemaker and carpenter by trade, and is now a lumberman and miller.  Two of the OYER family, George and John, have represented the town of Ashford on the Board of Supervisors, the former in 1874 and the latter in 1886 and again in 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 458

 

Surnames:  PETTENGILL, KELMER

 

Charles B. PETTENGILL was born in Wales, Erie county, February 15, 1848.  In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the service of the Union, but was rejected on account of his youthful age.  December 5, 1863, he enlisted in Co. A, 14th Wis. Inf., and served until December, 1865.  He was wounded July 22, 1864, at the battle of Peach Tree Creek.  While running from rebel pickets at Black River, near Vicksburg, in March, 1864, he fell down the bank of the river, fifty feet, and seriously injured his spine.  After the war he engaged in the harness trade.  In 1882 he settled in West Valley.  He has been town clerk four years, postmaster of West Valley four years, and treasurer of the Ashford Fire Insurance Company seven years.  He married Louisa, daughter of Abram KELMER, of Washington county.  Their children are Allie, Mamie, Guy, and Rob Roy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 458

 

Surnames:  PORTER, GILMORE, VAN AERNAM, RICHARDSON, BUFFINGTON, HERRICK

 

Aaron PORTER from Danby, Vt., settled in New Albion in 1836.  He married Sarah, daughter of David GILMORE.  Five children survive them: Electa J., widow of Richard VAN AERNAM, of New Albion; Chloe A. (Mrs. Lorenzo RICHARDSON) of Great Bay, Wis.; Weltha L. (Mrs. Augustus BUFFINGTON), of New Albion; Caroline (Mrs. Fillmore HERRICK), of New Albion; and Dr. Asher C., of Ashford.  For a sketch of Dr. A. C. PORTER, see page 118.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 458

 

Surnames:  PRATT, OYER, CLARK

 

John and Nathan PRATT, natives of Massachusetts, came to Ashford about 1825 and settled on lot 77.  John made the first settlement on land now owned by Adam OYER.  He died in 1869.  John PRATT’s children were Benjamin, of Ashford; Amos, deceased; Noah, of Franklinville; and Patience (Mrs. John CLARK), of Yorkshire.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Pages 458 & 459

 

Surnames:  PROCTOR, JONES

 

James PROCTOR, born in Quebec, Canada, came when young to Attica, N.Y., where he married Elizabeth JONES.  Their children now living are William H., John, Leonard, Harvey, and Ella.  William H. PROCTOR was born in Attica, June 4, 1859, came to Ashford with his parents in 1861, and in 1880 opened the first furniture and undertaker’s establishment in West Valley, which business he still successfully continues.  In 1881 he was elected town clerk and in 1882 justice of the peace, which latter position he has held consecutively to the present time.  He is serving a second term as deputy sheriff and is secretary of the Ashford Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 459

 

Surnames:  QUACKENBUSH, NEFF, PRINCE, CARTER, BARGY

 

Peter QUACKENBUSH came to Ashford from Montgomery county in the fall of 1819, and made the first improvement on the farm now owned by A. B. NEFF.  His father, John H. QUACKENBUSH, joined him in 1821 and built the first tavern in town on his son’s farm.  He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and with his brother David was captured by the Indians, taken to Niagara, and while in captivity were compelled to run the gauntlet.  Peter QUACKENBUSH married Hannah PRINCE, daughter of Peter PRINCE, of Montgomery county.  Their children were Rebecca, who married Russell A. CARTER, and John, who was born in Montgomery county April 16, 1818.  John came to Ashford with his parents and has since been a resident of the town.  He is a farmer and served as a supervisor in 1870.  He married Mary E., daughter of Jacob P. BARGY, and of their six children four are living: John, of Eagle, Wyoming county; Clark P., of Ellicottville; George B., of Yorkshire; and Charles, of Ashford.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 459

 

Surnames:  SAMPSON, KELLOGG, GOODEMOTE, SHULTIS, McLEAN, BIGELOW, BENSLEY

 

Peter SAMPSON, a native of New Salem, Mass., was born in 1773.  He married Sarah KELLOGG in 1793, and to them thirteen children were born.  In 1816 he moved with his family to Concord, Erie county, and settled on the north side of Cattaraugus creek.  In 1822 he traded farms with John GOODEMOTE and moved over to the south side of the creek in the town of Ashford.  He was elected commissioner of highways in 1824, was supervisor from 1825 to 1830 inclusive and again in 1832 and 1833, and was afterward justice of the peace eight years.  He early contracted to carry the mail from Buffalo to Olean by way of Townsend hill, Springville, and Ellicottville.  This was the regular mail carried between these points.  He first went on horseback, then with a wagon, and finally with a stage coach, and continued as mail-carrier and expressman until his death Dec. 8, 1836.  His daughters married William SHULTIS, Royal McLEAN, Charles C. BIGELOW, and Truman BENSLEY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 459

 

Surnames:  SHERMAN, TABOR, WHITNEY

 

Ebenezer C. SHERMAN came to Ashford from New Bedford, Mass., in 1822, and made the first settlement on the farm where his grandson, W. H. SHERMAN, now lives.  He assisted in cutting the road from his place to Ellicottville.  Mr. SHERMAN was a cabinet maker, but he gave his whole attention to his farm.  He married Constant TABOR, and their children were Charles, Mary A., Sarah, Clark, and Lydia.  Charles SHERMAN came to Ashford with his parents at the age of twelve years.  He was an exemplary Christian and a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than fifty years, for forty of which he was a licensed exhorter.  He removed to Springville, where he died April 2, 1883.  Mr. SHERMAN married Mary, daughter of William H. WHITNEY, who came to Riceville in an early day and taught school in a log school house.  Mr. and Mrs. SHERMAN had nine children: Helen, Charles W., Mary O., Fanny, Angie H., Ebenezer C., William H., Hattie L., and Lucy C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Pages 459 & 460

 

Surnames:  SMITH, WATKINS, GIBSON, ANDRES, PHILLIPS

 

Elsbree J. SMITH. ‑ Andrew WATKINS came to Ashford from Pennsylvania in 1839.  His grandson, Elsbree J. SMITH, came at the same time and learned the trade of a bricklayer and mason, which he has followed as an avocation.  Feb. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 105th N. Y. Vols., as second sergeant.  He was wounded at the second Bull Run battle, was captured, and remained a prisoner of war until the next September, when he was paroled and removed to Fairfax Seminary Hospital.  He was exchanged and November following was discharged.  August 24, 1863, he re-enlisted in Co. C, 13th N. Y. H. A., and was first duty sergeant.  He served until September 24, 1865, when he again received an honorable discharge.  He married Luella, daughter of William GIBSON, and their children are Emma J. (Mrs. D. ANDRES), Sabra (Mrs. A. J. PHILLIPS), and Grant, all of East Bradford, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 460

 

Surnames:  STARKS,

 

Nathan STARKS became a resident of Machias in 1850.  Dec. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 94th N. Y. Vols., was captured in front of Petersburg, was confined in Salisbury prison seven months, and was paroled and taken to Annapolis, Md., where he died April 2, 1865.  John D. STARKS enlisted Sept. 17, 1861, in Co. A, 106th N. Y. Vols., and re-enlisted in February, 1864.  He was wounded and captured at the battle of the Wilderness and died in Andersonville prison in September following.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 460

 

Surnames:  STOWELL, MEACHAM, WEAST, WILCOX, SCOTT

 

Ebenezer STOWELL, a native of Worcester, Mass., was born in 1782, married Hannah MEACHAM, who was born in New Salem, Mass., in 1787, and emigrated with his family to Ashford in 1836, where he died in 1845.  They had born to them eight children.  His son, Charles E. STOWELL, married Susan, daughter of Joseph WEAST.  Their children now living are Haplona (Mrs. Daniel WILCOX), of Springville; Mary (Mrs. Edwin SCOTT), of Springville; Charles E. STOWELL, Jr., of Ashford; and Luthera M., of Springville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 460

 

Surname:  TILLINGHAST

 

Arthur O. TILLINGHAST was born in Sardinia, July 10, 1850, and came to West Valley in 1878, where he has since been engaged in mercantile business.  He was supervisor in 1884 and in various ways has shown much enterprise.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 460

 

Surnames:  TURNER, KELCH

 

Joseph TURNER, son of Dyer, came to Ashford from Frankfort, N. Y., in 1835.  He was a collier by trade.  He married Ellen KELCH, and their surviving children are Harriet E., Horace M., and Jerome J., the latter a soldier for three years in Co. D, 154th N. Y. Vols., being wounded in his right shoulder.  Horace M. TURNER is a resident of this town and Jerome J. of Great Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Pages 460 & 461

 

Surnames:  WAIT, WAITE, BARLOW, LINCOLN, QUACKENBUSH, LEACH, HITCHCOCK, SCOTT

 

Dr. William WAIT, born at White Plains, N.Y., in 1784, came from Darien, Genesee county, and made the first settlement in West Valley in 1829.  With his sons he cut a road from Riceville to West Valley, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson, Hudson WAITE.  He was for a long time the only doctor in the place.  He died May 20, 1873.  He had four sons and two daughters: Weston, Lorenzo D., Henry, Esek B., Fanny M., wife of Parmenus P. BARLOW, and Melissa, who married Apollos LINCOLN.  Lorenzo D. WAITE was born in January, 1807, and came to Ashford with his father.  Like many other pioneers they had a hard struggle to live.  Their homestead twice reverted to the Holland Land Company.  It was finally reclaimed and paid for by Lorenzo D., who in 1849 built a saw-mill on the site of the old tannery which was the only saw-mill in the place for several years.  Mr. WAITE was a Baptist.  He held several town offices, and in the State militia he attained the rank of captain.  He died February 12, 1877.  Mr. WAITE married, first, Laney QUACKENBUSH, of Ashford, who was the mother of Hudson, Charlotte, and Sarah A. (deceased).  He married, second, Nancy M., daughter of James LEACH, and their children were Lovinus B., a Union soldier who died in Lincoln hospital of fever contracted in front of Richmond; George N., of West Valley; and Ira, deceased.  Hudson WAITE was born December 16, 1834, and is a farmer and formerly a dealer in horses and cattle and breeder of fine Holstein cattle.  With his son he is now breeding thorough blooded Shropshire sheep, their fine flock numbering 160 head.  Mr. WAITE married Lydia A., daughter of James LEACH, and their children are James S., of Salamanca, and Bert L.  George N. WAITE, born January 26, 1847, was a farmer with his father until 1865, when he learned the carpenter’s trade.  For several years he has been a millwright and a contractor and builder.  Since 1882 he has also been a dealer in lumber.  He married Adelaide HITCHCOCK, of Ashford, who died and left one child, Thirza J.  He married, second, Mary J. SCOTT, of North Collins, N.Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 461

 

Surnames:  WEAST, SCHULTIS, GOODEMOTE, VOSBURG, SCHOONOVER, FULLER, COLE, DILLINGHAM, BOWEN, LINDSEY, WHITNEY

 

Conrad WEAST came from Schenectady in 1829 and was the first settler on the farm where his grandson, George W. WEAST, now lives.  Mr. WEAST married Anna, daughter of Martin SCHULTIS.  Their children were Stephen C., Sally, Francis, Susannah, Clark, and Lewis O.  Stephen C. WEAST, born in Schenectady, was six months of age when his parents came to Ashford.  He married Sally, daughter of John GOODEMOTE, and had five children: Augusta A., Julia E., Josephine (Mrs. William VOSBURG), George W., and John L.  George W. WEAST, born in Ashford, November 12, 1859, married Edna O., daughter of Daniel SCHOONOVER, of Tuscarora, N.Y.  Their children are Myrtle, George L., and Anna.

 

Benjamin WEAST was born in Schenectady and came to Ashford with his father.  He married Olive, daughter of Amos V. FULLER, and has eight children: Mary A. (Mrs. Ozro COLE), of Ashford; Catherine, widow of A. R. DILLINGHAM, of Arcade; Amos B.; Emeline (Mrs. L. F. BOWEN); Louisa (Mrs. E. LINDSEY), of Yorkshire; Franklin C., of Arcade; Sarah (Mrs. M. J. LINDSEY), of Franklinville; and Adelle (Mrs. C. WHITNEY), of Franklinville.

 

Amos B. WEAST was born in Ashford, and Aug. 8, 1862, enlisted in Co. D, 154th N. Y. Vols., serving to the close of the war.  He was promoted corporal in May, 1864, sergeant April 1, 1865, and was honorably discharged June 11, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ashford – Chapter XIX (19)

Page 461

 

Surnames:  WEST, DOLE, DE WITT, HALL, OYER, STICKNEY, HITCHCOCK, QUACKENBUSH, DOX, PIKE, WEMPLE

 

Joseph WEST, son of Jonathan, was born in Galway, Saratoga county, settled in Sempronius, Cayuga county, and a few years later removed to Darien, Genesee county.  In 1839 he settled in this town on the farm now owned by Peter DOLE and eventually removed to West Valley, where he died.  He married Susan, daughter of Peter DE WITT, who bore him eleven children.  George N. WEST, second son of Joseph and Susan WEST, was born in Sempronius, September 25, 1820.  He came to Ashford with his parents, but returned to Darien in 1842, where he married Mary A., daughter of Rufus and Jerusha HALL, in 1849.  About 1844 he engaged in the sale of merchandise in Attica and in 1857 he settled permanently in Ashford.  About 1854 he built the first store in West Valley.  It was conducted by William C. WEST, and now forms the rear part of the building occupied by the postoffice and harness shop.  In 1858 he opened a store in West Valley, where he kept the first postoffice in 1860.  He used his influence in securing the line of railroad through the town of Ashford and was the agent of the railroad company in procuring the right of way.  In 1877 the company located a depot at Ashford Junction, which he had urged and recommended, and he was its station agent the ensuing five years, the postoffice there being named in his honor.  Mr. WEST served as supervisor of Ashford in 1867-68 and again in 1877.  In November, 1869, and in 1889 he was elected to the Assembly from his district.  Mrs. WEST died January 6, 1890.  By her he had these children: Clara A. (Mrs. G. W. OYER), of West Valley;  Leonidas D., a merchant of Dundee, N.Y.; and Ida M. (Mrs. C. D. STICKNEY), of Buffalo.  Mr. WEST married Mrs. Mary C. HITCHCOCK, of Oakland, Cal., December 10, 1891.

 

Rev. James L. WEST, son of Joseph WEST, was born in Ashford, June 22, 1838.  He began working for wages and supporting himself at thirteen years of age.  He obtained a common school education and engaged in farming.  He has also been a dealer in live stock for the past thirty years.  In 1878 he was licensed as a clergyman of the Free Baptist Church and is now the pastor of the church at Rawson.  He married Christina, daughter of John D. QUACKENBUSH; children: John E., Cora L. (Mrs. Charles G. DOX), and James C.

 

Lockward WEST came to Ashford in 1839.  He married Mary, daughter of Joshua PIKE, of Springville, who bore him two sons, Eugene and Charles.  His second wife was Emeline WEMPLE, by whom he had seven children: Simon, James, Mina, Fred, Dewitt, Susan, and Eddie.

 

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TOWN OF CARROLTON

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 469

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, WADE, CORKINS

 

John Smith ADAMS, son of William and Magdalene (WADE) ADAMS, was born in Massachusetts, April 23, 1806.  His ancestors came from England to America about 1630.  In 1820, as near as can be ascertained, he came to Farmersville with his parents, where he married Theda CORKINS, January 17, 1831, who was born October 18, 1811.  In 1834, they emigrated to Ohio with a team and heavy wagon and settled in Lorain, on a farm adjoining his brothers, W.H.H. and Lyman.  He was there a farmer and a ship-carpenter and returned to Cattaraugus County in 1883 and spent the remainder of his old age with his son, Albert Quincy ADAMS, in where he died, March 21, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 469

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, NICHOLS, BOSWORTH

 

Albert Quincy ADAMS was born in Loraine, Ohio, July 14, 1844.  With his father's consent he enlisted in the 55th Ohio Infantry and was mustered in September 11, 1861, being honorably discharged November 5, 1862, on account of a gunshot wound in his left leg received at the second battle of Bull Run.  He returned home and was employed to drive a team for the government in Kentucky in the winter of 1863-64.  In the summer of 1864 he was employed on board a government tugboat on the Potomac and James rivers.  In the fall of 1864 he came to Carrolton and ran a stationary engine in the steam sawmill of Dr. J. NICHOLS for nine years.  He settled on the place where he now resides in 1868, and has since been a farmer.  December 5, 1866 he married Euthenia BOSWORTH and they have two sons and two daughters.  Their oldest child, May B., is a successful teacher.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 469

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, WILMOT, IRVINE

 

Harper G. ANDREWS, son of Robert H. and Julia E. (WILMOT) ANDREWS, was born in Windsor, Broome county, February 3, 1845.  He was educated in the common schools, at Rogers Seminary at Great Bend, Pa., and at Lowell's Business College in Binghampton.  He was a farmer with his father until July 23, 1862, when, with his father's consent, he enlisted in Co. B, 137th NY Vols., and returned at the close of the war with the rank of first lieutenant.  He participated in all the events of his regiment, marched to the sea with Sherman, and returned by way of Richmond to Washington.  He led a charmed life and only received one gunshot wound in his right arm at the Battle of Peach Tree Creek.  He was honorably discharged June 20, 1865.  He was again a farmer with his father the ensuing two years.  In November, 1867, he settled in Limestone as a clerk and two years later engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber, which he followed until 1881.  He then conducted a hotel up to 1890.  Mr. ANDREWS is a staunch Republican, and has been elected assessor and two times supervisor.  May 5, 1869, he married Mary A. IRVINE, of Carrolton.  They have had three children, all of whom died in early childhood.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 469 & 470

 

Surnames:  BAILLET, WHITCOMB, LEONARD

 

Felix BAILLET, born November 22, 1802, married Aff. WHITCOMB, who was born April 11, 1807, and removed from  Farmersville to Limestone in the fall of 1852.  He built a small tannery, the first in town, and tanned leather and made boots and shoes.  His brother, Francis E. BAILLET, was clerk of Cattaraugus county for nine years.  Felix BAILLET was a great reader, well informed, was familiar with the bible, and loved an argument, especially with the clergymen.  He had a mind and will of his own.  He was supervisor of this town in 1867.  He removed with his family to Tullahoma, Tennesee, in 1868, where he still resides.  His father, Francis BAILLET, was born in Rocheforte, France in 1769, and died in Philadelphia in 1804.

 

John W. BAILLET, son of Felix, was born in Farmersville, March 12, 1837.  January 31, 1864, he married Abigail, daughter of Levi LEONARD.  He was a railroad conductor and train dispatcher for eighteen years.  He was always affable and kind.  He died in 1881.  His only surviving child is a son, Frank, born July 26, 1871. 

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 470

 

Surnames:  BEARDSLEY, BROMLEY, WHITAKER, HAZARD, LEONARD, IRVINE, HULL

 

John Odell BEARDSLEY was born in Dutchess county in 1779 and married Charity BROMLEY, of Delhi, NY.  Being a lumberman and merchant with his father they used the Delaware River as a means of transportation to and from Philadelphia.  Mr. BEARDSLEY removed to near Seneca Lake and in 1813 or 1814 to Chataqua County, where he was a successful lumberman until 1829, when he came to Tuna Valley and purchased several hundred acres of pine land in the township of Bradford, Pa., and engaged extensively in manufacturing lumber.  In February 1831, he brought his family to his log cabin.  In a few years he built a comfortable residence, the center of which was exactly on the state line.  He claimed his residence in Pennsylvania.  In 1836, with his sons John O. and William, he built a double mill on Foster Brook, where they were engaged in manufacturing lumber to the time of his death, April 23, 1842.  John O., William and Hiram were all lumbermen.  They had a tract of land along the state line in Carrolton which contained 2000 acres, from which they cut the timber.

 

J. O. BEARDSLEY was the river pilot for the family from the age of fifteen years and took millions of feet of lumber to market.  He became a prominent man in society and the first leader of the M.E. class organized in Carrolton in 1850.  He is now a farmer in Sardinia, Erie county.  Mr. BEARDSLEY married Alinda WHITAKER and his children are Malvina, born Nov. 10, 1836 of Arcade, NY; Louenza (Mrs. Richard HAZARD), of Limestone; Lucy, born May 6, 1842, wife of Joseph LEONARD, of Carrolton; Charles O., born May 10, 1844, of Duluth, Minn.; Louise J., born Oct. 27, 1846 (Mrs. M.W. Caffee), of Bradford; Millie A. , born Nov. 14, 1850 (Mrs. Guy C. IRVINE), of IRVINE's Mills; Clinton J., born Sept. 18, 1853, a farmer on the homestead; and Wilbur G., born Nov. 18, 1858. 

 

Hiram BEARDSLEY, youngest son of John O., Sr., was born March 25, 1825.  He married Mandana HULL, succeeded his father on the homestead, and gave his mother a home until she died in August, 1876, aged ninety-two years.  He built his present fine residence in 1880, north of of the State line.  In 1865, Hiram and William BEARDSLEY, with a company of capitalists, took the first leases of territory and made a test by drilling the first well in this region on land where the city of Bradford has since been built.  Although this well was not a success, because it was not bored deep enough, it established two facts:  that oil did exist in paying quantities, and that William and Hiram BEARDSLEY were the pioneers in the discovery of petroleum in Tuna Valley.  On the farm of Hiram BEARDSLEY is the first paying well in Carrolton.  This was drilled in the winter of 1875-76 and is still yielding oil.  William BEARDSLEY died in October, 1885.  He served the town as supervisor in 1855, 1856 and 1857.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 471

 

Surname:  BEDELL

 

Jacob BEDELL, a native of Branchville, NJ, was born March 1, 1840.  His parents removed to Owego in 1850, where he resided until 1860, when he joined them in Prompton, PA.  He then began business for himself as a jobber in lumbering.  He has since been a jobber and overseer of lumbering and peeling bark, except three years and a half spent on contract work in the coal mines.  In 1879 he began business as a jobber in peeling bark for Hoyt Brothers in Gouldsboro, Pa, which employed him there and in Hillsgrove, Pa. about six years.  Since then he has resided in Limestone and is the overseer for Hoyt Brothers in the business in which he has long been an expert.  Mr. BEDELL is efficient and trustworthy.  In March 1881, he married Emma ENGLER, of Gouldsboro, Pa.  they have two daughters, Maud and Frances M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 471

 

Surname:  BIDEN

 

Rev. J.D. BIDEN, born in Buffalo, September 30, 1852, spent his boyhood in Cattaraugus county and acquired his early education in the common school on Whig Street in Little Valley.  After a short business career in Buffalo, he entered Niagara University in 1874 and in December 1879, received the degree of A.B.  After a two years’ course in theology he received in 1881 the degree of A.M. and was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic church June 3, 1882.  He then spent one year as assistant at West Seneca.  August 1, 1883,  he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick’s church of Limestone, where he still officiates.  Since coming to Limestone, he has purchased a cemetery for the parish, enlarged and greatly improved the parsonage, has wrought many other necessary improvements, and has built a small but neat church edifice at Carrolton village.  He has also started a fund to build a more commodious church at Limestone.  He served a term on the Board of Education.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 471

 

Surnames:  BISSELL, PULLEN, NICHOLS, PATON, BEEBE

 

Byron BISSELL , son of Aaron and Delilah (PULLEN) BISSELL, was born on the BISSELL homestead in Lyndon, November 5, 1849, and was educated in the common school and Ten Broeck Academy.  He was a farmer with his father until he attained his majority and the winter ensuing taught the district school where he had himself been taught.  He spent two years of the ensuing ten as druggist’s clerk with Dr. James NICHOLS in Limestone, two or three years on the home farm in Lyndon, where he held the offices of town clerk and justice of the peace, and the remainder of the period was engaged in the oil business in Pennsylvania.  August 26, 1880, he succeeded Dr. NICHOLS in the firm of NICHOLS & PATON, druggists, of Limestone.  Since 1883, when he purchased Mr. PATON’s interest, Mr. BISSELL has conducted the business alone.  He has held the positions of deputy postmaster and trustee and president of the village.  October 10, 1875, he married Ella BEEBE of Carrolton.  They have five children:  Jennie H., Clara M., Maud, and Leon B. and Lena (twins).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 471

 

Surnames:  BOSWORTH, PAGE, ADAMS, NICHOLS

 

Alonzo BOSWORTH was born in Marion, Wayne county, June 17, 1823, and moved with his parents to  New Hudson, Allegany county when about five years old where his parents resided to the close of their lives.  Alonzo BOSWORTH married, in November, 1854, in Allegany county, Amelia PAGE, who died in June, 1855 and in February, 1861, he married second, Sarah ADAMS, who was born in Deerfield, Oneida county in 1832.  Her father, Israel ADAMS, was a native of New Hampshire and of English descent.  Mr. BOSWORTH is a lumberman and has been employed as head sawyer and manager of the lumber firm of NICHOLS & Co. for more than twenty years.  He now gives his attention to his farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 471 & 472

 

Surnames:  BROWN, SMITH, ARMSTRONG, SEYMOUR

 

Ansel J. BROWN, youngest child of Erastus BROWN, a pioneer of Mansfield, was born on the homestead January 8, 1849, was reared a farmer, and was educated in the district school.  His father died when he was only eleven years old.  At eighteen, he and his brother Levi bought the homestead and together cultivated it about twenty years.  In the spring of 1883 Mr. BROWN opened a general store at Union Corners, near his old home, where he remained until the spring of 1887, when he purchased his present sore in Limestone.  In 1875 he made an extensive tour through California.  April 6, 1870, Mr. BROWN married Ellen L., daughter of Lorenzo H. SMITH, of Mansfield.  Their children are Harry, who married Miss ARMSTRONG;  Clara (Mrs. George SEYMOUR); and Melva.  Mr. BROWN is a musician and Mrs. BROWN conducts a millinery store.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 472

 

Surnames:  CARMODY, O’DAY, SCANLON

 

John CARMODY was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1823.  He resided in England three or four years, where he married Mary O’DAY, a native of Ireland, and born in 1830.  They came to New York City in 1853; he was engaged on the Erie and New York Central Railroads until 1858, when he came to Limestone, where he was employed in the tannery until 1866.  He then purchased a wood lot of fifty acres in the neighborhood known as New Ireland, where he resided about two years.  In November, 1869, he settled on the farm where he now resides.  This farm, with the aid of his industrious sons,  he has converted into well-cultivated fields and a good home.  In March, 1875, he leased fifty acres of his farm for oil purposes, with a royalty of one-eighth net to himself, and has an income from six producing wells.  Mr. and Mrs. CARMODY have had born to them eight children, three of whom died young.  Those now living are Michael, Kate M., John F., Mary, and Ellen A.  Michael and John are contractors and jobbers in drilling oil and gas wells; Kate M. and Ellen A. are teachers;  Mary (Mrs. M. SCANLON) resides in Bradford, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 472

 

Surnames:  COGSWELL, LAWTON, BROOKS, TALLMAN, LAWSON

 

Mason W. COGSWELL, son of Samuel, was born in Warren, Pa., November 4, 1822, and about 1847 came to Carrolton, where he began manufacturing square timber and pine shingles.  With four or five others he lived in a shanty kept by a mulatto.  When their raft of timber arrived at Warren Mr. COGSWELL took charge of it and ran it down to Pittsburgh.  He was known as one of the most capable pilots on the river.  Until 1882 or ’83 he made dozens of trips a pilot and was successful with all but one.  In 1853 he settled where he now resides and is engaged in farming.  August 1, 1851 he married Sarah LAWTON, who bore him these children:  Adelaide and Hannah, who died in childhood;  Chloe A. (Mrs. W. BROOKS), born April 3, 1857, died February 10, 1877;  John L., born August 23, 1859, married Sylvia TALLMAN, of Minnesota and resides on the homestead with his father;  and Perry M., born February 10, 1862, also with his father.  Mrs. COGSWELL died February 10, 1863.  January 1, 1874 he married second, Phoebe LAWSON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 472

 

Surnames:  COWEN, HILL

 

George J. COWEN was born in Candor, Tioga county, in June 1840.  His father was a shoemaker and later a grocer in Limestone, where he died in 1873.  August 6, 1862, George J. enlisted in Co. C, 109th N. Y. Volunteers, and he participated in all the events of his regiment for two years, when he was sent to the hospital to recover from an amputated finger.  He left before it was fairly healed and assisted in repelling the attempted assault on Washington.  Soon afterward he was transferred to the 13th Veteran Reserve Corps, from which he was discharged July 13, 1865.  He immediately settled in Limestone, where he was a grocery man with his father one year.  Mr. COWEN has served as constable since 1885, and since 1882 he has been police constable of Limestone.  August 29, 1865, he married Anna A. HILL, and their children now living are Fred C., Georgianna N., and Luney M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 472 & 473

 

Surname:  CROWLEY

 

John J. CROWLEY, son of Dennis, was born in Cattaraugus, May 12, 1866, and attended the Union Free School of his native village.  He began to learn telegraphy at the age of fourteen, and became an operator for the Buffalo, Rochester and & Pittsburgh railroad at the age of sixteen.  One year later he was operator and clerk at Mt. Jewett, Pa., and two years afterward was made station agent of Limestone, taking charge March 1, 1886.  His is a family of railroad men.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 473

 

Surnames:  DREHMER, COMMON

 

Jacob G. DREHMER was born in Dansville, NY, February 2, 1844; enlisted August 1, 1862 on Co. B, 1st N. Y. Dragoons, and was honorably discharged June 10, 1865.  Mr. DREHMER participated in the battle of Cold Harbor, where he received an injury in his left leg and was excused from duty in consequence for about a week, but did not leave his regiment.  He was present also at the Wilderness, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Yellow Tavern, Fisher’s Hill, the siege of Suffolk, and other battles and skirmishes.  Since returning from the army, he has pursued his trade as a manufacturer of boots and shoes.  Mr. DREHMER married Julia L. COMMON, of Angelica, NY, and they have one son.  Mr. DREHMER is a Republican.  Both are members of the Methodist church, of which he is one of the trustees, having held the position the last fourteen years.  He has also served as superintendent of the Sunday school.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 473

 

Surnames:  FRANK, MULTER, WATERS

 

Daniel FRANK, son of Daniel, a pioneer of Ashford, married Catherine, daughter of Peter MULTER, also a pioneer of Ashford.  He was a farmer and blacksmith.  He came to Vandalia and built the fences from Olean to Dunkirk for the Erie railroad by contract.  He also carried on his trade of blacksmith, and was the superintendent in the construction of the State road from Vandalia to Great Valley.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 64th NY Inf. for three years.  He stood six feet three and one-half inches in his stockings.  The exposures of army life brought on inflammatory rheumatism, and after a period of treatment in the hospital he was discharged an invalid.  He returned home about eleven months after he entered the service and died two years later.  Mrs. FRANK died October 25, 1888.  Their son, Clark FRANK, was born in Otto, March 27, 1844.  August 31, 1862 , he enlisted in 111th N. Y. Inf., participated in all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac, was never in the hospital nor away from his company until he received a wound from a minieball that struck him a little above the heart, passed through his left lung and out at his back.  By a strange coincidence his brother Sylvester, a soldier in the 61st Regiment, received precisely such a wound the same day and in the same battle.  They were treated in the same ward of the hospital by the same surgeon, recovered at the same time, were honorably discharged June 14, 1865, and went home together.  November 7, 1868, Clark FRANK married Lucina WATERS, of Limestone.  He conducted a grocery in Carrolton and was a lumberman until about 1870.  He was successively baggagemaster, telegraph operator, and three years   station agent at Limestone.  Since 1888 he has been a farmer.  Mr. FRANK has officiated as justice of the peace eight years, and has held several other town offices.  He has five children.  James D. FRANK, son of Daniel, was born March 23, 1854.  He learned telegraphy without a tutor, was assistant station agent at Carrolton, and for eight years was station agent at Great Valley.  He is now the station agent and telegraph operator at Vandalia.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 473 & 474

 

Surnames:  FULLER, KENYON, McMILLEN, LEONARD, JONES

 

Chase FULLER, son of John and Betsey FULLER, was born in Piermont, NH, April 18, 1797, received a good business education, and married Nancy KENYON, of Holland, NY on May 5, 1822.  She was born January 12, 1802 at Stanley, Connecticut.  They came to Freedom in the winter of 1839-40.  In February 1844, they removed to Carrolton on lot 25, where the village of Limestone has since been built.  His residence, a two story log house, was located where the Bateman house now stands.  Mr. FULLER was an extensive farmer and a manufacturer and dealer in pine lumber, which he rafted down the river to Cincinnati.  In 1846 he opened a general mercantile establishment where the Tuna Valley store now stands.  Mr. FULLER was a man of good business ability, well informed, and a leading and prominent citizen.  He was elected supervisor of Carrolton in 1844 and represented the town ten years and held the same office in Humphrey four years.  He officiated as magistrate over forty years and as associate judge of the county several terms.  As magistrate, he was the trial justice and officiated at nearly 200 weddings.  Early in life he began practice in justice’s courts and continued successfully until old age compelled him to relinquish the work.  In the spring of 1857 he removed to Humphrey, where he gave his attention to his farm, the various offices which he held, and his law practice.  In 1868, he removed to Virginia, where he was postmaster; but five years later returned to Carrolton, where he died January 25, 1880.  Mrs. FULLER survived him until December 24, 1887.  Their children were:  Philetus M.,  born May 4, 1823, now of Smethport , Pa, a soldier in the union army five years, a magistrate eight years, associate judge five years,  county commissioner six years, and has been a heavy oil producer;  Lafayette T.,  born March 25, 1825, living near Bradford, PA;  Manley C., born April 3, 1827, a magistrate in Carrolton several years, removed to Rochester, Minnesota in 1865, was elected to the legislature in 1868 and in 1870;  Dolly P., born May 8, 1829, widow of Marcus McMILLEN, of Olean;  Romanzo E., born May 22, 1833, married Harriet, daughter of Calvin LEONARD, September 11, 1853 and their children are Herbert C., a railroad bridge builder in Nebraska, Jerome H., a farmer and oil well driller near Limestone, and Sam R., an oil producer in Forest county, PA;  Desire E., born November 3, 1835, widow of Almanzer JONES, of Allegany;  and Millard F., born February 15, 1850, died at the age of fourteen years.  Romanzo E. FULLER is a carpenter and builder by trade, which until recently has been his avocation.  He was elected magistrate of Carrolton in 1866 and has served in that position twenty-four years.  He has also held other important town offices.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 474

 

Surnames:  GREENWOOD, ROCKWELL

 

Joseph GREENWOOD, son of Robert, was born in Manchester, England in 1843, emigrated to America with his parents in 1848, and settled fi rst in Massachusetts, where he resided until twelve years old.  His mother died in 1855, and Joseph then had a home with his grandparents in Patterson, NJ, with whom he lived until 1859, when he became an apprentice to the trade of tinner in Orange, NJ, where he remained until 1862.  He then enlisted in the 26th N. J. Vols. and was honorably discharged June 7, 1863.  In March 1864, he enlisted in the US Navy and was discharged in June 1865.  Mr. GREENWOOD settled on Oil creek in August, 1865, and was a tinner there until 1871, when he began dealing in hardware and oil supplies in Salem. PA.  In 1876, he came to Limestone and opened a general hardware store, which he still conducts.  Mr. GREENWOOD is a staunch republican, but is not an office seeker.  In 1868, he married Celestia A. ROCKWELL, of Summit, PA and they have had four children, of whom Joseph P. and John W. are now living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 474 & 475

 

Surnames:  GRIMES, DUDLEY, HORTON

 

William GRIMES was born in New Hampshire, February 2, 1804. In his childhood he removed to the eastern part of New York State and finally married Margaret DUDLEY.   He afterward resided a few years in Vermont and came thence to Essex county, N. Y. where he was a jobber in cutting and hauling lumber.  He removed to Tiffanyville, Chatauqua county, where he stocked and ran the mills of Jehiel Tiffany.  In the fall of 1840 or ‘41, he settled on the Nine Mile of the Allegheny River at what is now the village of Vandalia, and for about four years conducted the lumber mills of Guy C. Irvine and Judge Chamberlain.  About 1845 he purchased 900 acres of timberlands and added to them from time to time until he had a tract of 2000 acres.  He began cutting and rafting square pine timber and shingles down the river to market, and continued to the close of his life, January 26, 1877.  Mr. GRIMES was a man of more than medium height, broad shouldered and muscular,  and possessed great powers of endurance.  He was ambitious, courageous and industrious, and was known as the poor man’s friend.  He was a man of the old school style, strictly honest and upright.  His only son, James Henry GRIMES, was born in Vermont February 10, 1829, received a common school education, and succeeded his father in 1877, continuing the business still and manufacturing an average of 1,000,000 feet of lumber annually.  Mr. GRIMES is also a farmer on a farm of 100 acres.  He employs from ten to twenty-two men.  September 25, 1882, he married Anna HORTON, a native of England, and they have one son, William Henry, born December 20, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 475

 

Surnames:  HAMM, MERKT

 

John HAMM, a native of Darmstadt, Germany, came with his parents to New York in May, 1853.  In 1864, his father removed to Allegany, where he still resides.  He settled in Limestone in 1868 and opened a blacksmith shop.  A year later he added a custom carriage and sleigh manufactory and gave employment to three men.  This he still continues.  June 21, 1874 he married Cynthia, daughter of Makerous and Mary MERKT, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, who came to America in 1853. Children:  Carl Joseph and Fred Andrew.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 475

 

Surnames:  HYDE, SCHOONMAKER

 

Sanford M. HYDE was born in Tolland, Conn. in 1840.  He removed to Ellenville, Ulster county in 1850 and began active business at thirteen years of age.  At fifteen he was clerking in a general store.  He was one of the firm of E.R. SCHOONMAKER & Co. and S.M. HYDE & Co.  He conducted Tunaengwant Hotel successfully for three years and was postmaster during Cleveland’s first administration.  He is now bookkeeper for the Northern Tier Hemlock Company, Limited, with headquarters at Bradford, Pa.  Mr. HYDE was a sergeant in the Union army in the Civil War three months.  In October 1862, he married Charlotte J., sister of Hon. E.R. SCHOONMAKER, of Limestone and their children are George, who died at the age of twenty four years;  Charles L., a clerk for Stickney, Bell & Co. at Quaker, NY;  Robert; and Nellie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 475 & 476

 

Surnames:  IRVINE, COTTON, CHAMBERLAIN, LOWREY

 

Guy Carrolton IRVINE, brother of Andrew and uncle of B. F.,  was born on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, the youngest son of a family of twenty-six children.  His father died when he was a boy, and young IRVINE was apprenticed to a blacksmith, whom not being a congenial spirit he soundly thrashed and ran away.  In very early manhood he resided at Broken Straw, Warren county, Pa. and there began his active business life by jobbing in building roads and bridges.  He had dealt in lumber and soon after his marriage with Polly COTTON he bought 2000 acres of timberland on Conewango creek on credit, built mills also on credit, manufactured lumber, built up a small village which took the name of Irvinesburg, and was very successful.  About 1837, in company with Judge CHAMBERLAIN and N. A. LOWREY, he purchased a tract of 25,000 acres of land lying in and adjacent to Tuna valley in Carrolton, which was divided among the proprietors.  Mr. IRVINE built the original IRVINE Mills in 1840, about half a mile below the site of the mills erected by Stephen and Jesse Morrison in 1828 and on the opposite side of the stream.  He was succeeded in 1848 by his nephew, B. F. IRVINE, who had for several years been engaged in business with him.  He was an abrupt, fearless, able business man, possessed great energy, and was honest and true.  The town named in honor of him took his second name, Carrolton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 476

 

Surnames:  IRVINE, PARKER, MOSES, LEONARD, ANDREWS, BEARDSLEY

 

Benjamin F. IRVINE, son of Andrew, was born in Tonawanda, Pa. August 12, 1819, and received a good business education.  In the winter of 1841-42 he came to IRVINE’s Mills in the employ of his uncle, Guy C. IRVINE, to haul logs.  In drawing the logs to the chute at the top of the hill, where they were slid down into the pond, one of his horses slipped and fell into the chute, dragging his mate and the heavy load with him, and all went down together in a total wreck.  This outfit was all Mr. IRVINE had to carry on business.  In 1843 he returned and got out square timber and pine shingles, which he rafted to Louisville, continuing until March 1848, when he assumed the management of his uncle’s large lumber business.  In 1855, he bought his cousin’s interest in 6000 acres of land.  In 1857, the firm of B. F. IRVINE and Nelson PARKER built the sawmill on lot 29 on the site of Morrison’s mill, where they manufactured lumber which they rafted to the markets.  In 1865 they sold their entire property to Job MOSES, but in 1869 Mr. IRVINE bought back the mills and 600 acres surrounding them, and enlarged the mills to a daily capacity of 50,000 feet, added a shingle mill, a planer, and a flooring mill, giving him a total capacity of  4,000,000 feet of lumber and 3,000,000 shingles annually.  He continued this vast business until his death September 10, 1878.  January 1, 1847 he married Rebecca, eldest daughter of Levi LEONARD.  Mr. IRVINE possessed many of the characteristics of his uncle, G. C.  He had great energy, more than ordinary business ability, was quick to perceive, and bold and fearless to decide and act.  While he did business on strict business principles he had a quick ear for the voice of the needy and was not slow to relieve their wants.  While he could drive a good bargain he was tender to those in distress and dispensed charity unseen, but with an open hand.  The children of Mr. and Mrs. IRVINE were:  Mary A., born May 5, 1848, wife of H. G. ANDREWS; Guy C., born March 21, 1850;  Andrew L., born May 29, 1854, died November 26, 1855; Leonard C., born March 27, 1856; Jerome N., born October 27, 1857, died April 12, 1859;  Benjamin F., Jr., born September 30, 1859, now agent for his mother and manager of the estate; and DeWitt C., born February 24, 1866, died February 4, 1867.  June 26, 1872, Guy C. IRVINE married Millie A., youngest daughter of J. O. BEARDSLEY.  Mr. IRVINE learned his father’s business as a lumberman, and with his brother, Leonard C., succeeded him at his death in 1878, under the firm name of IRVINE Brothers, who continued it until they sold the mills and fifty acres in 1882 to Plumer, Gilfillan, Steele & Co., the present proprietors.  Mr. IRVINE is now a farmer.  Leonard C. IRVINE is now bookkeeper for Schoonmaker & Davis.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 476 & 477

 

Surname:  JOHNSON

 

Allen JOHNSON was born in Monmouth county, N.J., June 6, 1832.  August 29, 1861 he enlisted in the 6th N. J. Inf. and served three years.  He participated in seventeen general engagements, was never absent from roll call except when on detached service, was never in the guardhouse or hospital, and was never reprimanded by any officer.  He was several times struck with spent balls and had two guns shot from his hands.  He was honorably discharged in September 1864.  In January 1880, he came to Carrolton from Pennsylvania and here he still resides.  He is now engaged in selling groceries and stationery at the village of Carrolton.  He is a pronounced Democrat, and holds the positions of postmaster, justice of the peace, and overseer of the poor.  Mr. JOHNSON is the father of five sons and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 477 & 478

 

Surnames:  LEONARD, CARGILL, IRVINE, LAWTON, BAILLET, BAKER, SCHOONMAKER, GOODSELL

 

Levi LEONARD, born in Pennsylvania, February 22, 1809, married April 15, 1828, Elizabeth CARGILL, of Corydon, Pa., a native of Maine, who was born December 25, 1810.  In 1832, he came to Carrolton as a lumberman and in 1834 he brought his wife to his log cabin which he had erected near the mouth of the Tuna creek.  At that time the vast unbroken forests were in their pristine glory.  Mr. LEONARD was a young man of fine physical development, broad shouldered, very muscular, and stood fully six feet high.  He was energetic and courageous.  Lumbering was then, and for many years after, the leading industry of the county, and the river was the only highway to convey it to market.  To accommodate the scores of river men and wood-choppers he built a large hotel at the mouth of the Tuna creek, on the east side of the Allegheny on the Indian reservation, and opened it to the public in 1836. This tavern was a famous resort.  He also established a ferry across the river.  Mr. LEONARD also dealt extensively in lumber and was famous as a river pilot.  He gave his attention mainly to what is known as square timber and handmade pine shingles.  His knowledge of the Allegheny was proverbial.  He was credited with knowing every shallow and rock, and lumbermen claimed that “LEONARD could sail the river on a dark night with as much safety as midday.”  Food, clothing, etc. were brought up the stream in canoes and the last one now in the vicinity was constructed by Mr. LEONARD and is still kept by his family as a relic of “ye olden time.”  To keep a supply of fresh fish with which the river and streams abounded he confined them in a skiff covered with boards and sunk in the water.  He was a successful hunter.  The city of Buffalo was then quite inaccessible.  To make the trip Mr. LEONARD shipped his team and load on his ferry boat to Great Valley, proceeded thence by highway, and returned as he went with provisions and groceries which he dealt out to his neighbors.

 

Mr. LEONARD was always on the most amicable terms with the Seneca Indians, whom he uniformly treated kindly and with the strictest honesty.  He thus gained their undying friendship and confidence.  All matters of importance were submitted to him for his advice, and they never failed to act in accordance with his suggestions.  So great was his influence over them that his friends in a facetious way spoke of him as the “God of the Senecas.”  The Indians acknowledged him as their superior and were in awe of him.  He was master of the Seneca dialect and spoke it fluently.  In November, 1858, he removed to the farm about one mile north of Limestone, where he spent the remainder of his life in the pursuit of farming.  He died September 10, 1879.  Although he never held high office, nor wished to, he was as well and as widely known as the proudest official and as much esteemed.  His children were:  Rebecca, born July 12, 1830, widow of B. F. IRVINE;  Sabra, born January 1, 1832, widow of Billings LAWTON and proprietor of the LAWTON House, Carrolton;  Jerome B., born December 15, 1835, died  January 15, 1859;  Abigail, born March 22, 1837, widow of John BAILLET, now residing with her aged mother; Joseph born September 4, 1839, a jobber, lumberman, and farmer;  Mary A. born November 24, 1842, widow of George BAKER, a tanner who served three years in the late war and died of disability contracted in the army;  Levi, Jr., born December 20, 1844, died in early childhood;  Frank A. born May 21, 1846, a traveling salesman from East Liverpool, Ohio;  Robert, born April 2, 1848, drowned in the river at the homestead at the age of three and one-half years; Sarah J., born October 3, 1850, wife of Hon. E. R. SCHOONMAKER;  and Bradley R., born February 28, 1853, died of an injury received while coupling cars, November 15, 1875.  The children of George BAKER are Georgia (Mrs. John GOODSELL) of Olean, and Clarence, a farmer on the LEONARD homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 478

 

Surnames:  LEONARD, COGSWELL, SCHOONMAKER, FULLER, STEVENS, VIBBARD

 

Calvin LEONARD, brother of Levi LEONARD, Sr., was born in August, 1801.  He married Jemima COGSWELL and came to Carrolton from Beaver County, Pa., in 1851, settling on the farm now owned by Hon. E.. R. SCHOONMAKER.  Mr. LEONARD was a carpenter and one of the most skillful millwrights in the country.  He built the Irvine mills, the first Union Free School building, the tannery erected by Dodge & Smith, and many other large structures.  He was a Democrat, was well versed in the Scriptures, liberal in his religion, and believed in the ultimate salvation of the whole human race.  He died January 22, 1884.  Only three of his children reside in Carrolton:  Samuel J., who married Velonia N., daughter of Chase FULLER, and for sixteen years has been the carpenter and millwright of the Limestone tannery;  Jackson L.,  who married Maggie STEVENS;  and Cynthia R., (Mrs. Shep L. VIBBARD).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 478

 

Surnames:  McCAHILL, DWYER

 

Joseph F. McCAHILL was born in the city of New York, April 10, 1859, and January 1, 1883, married Kate DWYER.  In 1884 they settled in Limestone where Mr. McCAHILL is engaged as a jobber in the Limestone tannery.  He also conducts cigar factory No. 1234.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 478

 

Surnames:  McDONNELL, BARNES

 

Donald J. McDONNELL, of sturdy Scotch descent and cousin of Alexander McDONNELL, Bishop of Alexandria, Can., was born in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada, January 15, 1838.  November 1, 1864, he went to Buffalo as a journeyman blacksmith.  From January, 1865, until 1876 he was engaged in the oil business in Pennsylvania.  He then settled in Limestone, where he was an oil producer and a driller of oil wells, by contract, until 1886.  He still owns his machinery and oil territory, and now has charge of the Manufacturers’ Gas Company’s business in Limestone.  January 24, 1875, he married Louisa, daughter of R. B. BARNES, a native of Massachusetts.  Mrs. McDONNELL was born December 15, 1839, in Wisconsin.  Mr. BARNES resides with his daughter in Limestone.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 478

 

Surnames:  McKENZIE, ZELIFF

 

John McKENZIE was born in Rosshire, Scotland, June 12, 1836, and in 1854 settled in Forrestville, N. Y.  In 1856 he came to Carrolton and April 16, 1857 married Harriet H., daughter of Peter ZELIFF, who was born June 29, 1834, being the first white child born in the town of Carrolton.  Mr. McKENZIE is a farmer.  He was formerly engaged in lumbering.  He is a Republican and has held the office of highway commissioner three years, assessor four years, and collector one year.  Four of their seven sons and their only daughter are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 478

 

Surnames:  McNALLY, McNAMARA

 

George McNALLY, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in County Cork, Ireland, January 9, 1845.  He emigrated to America in 1862, spent a year in Massachusetts, three years in Cleveland, Ohio, was a hotel proprietor in Corry, Pa., ten years, and in 1876 came to Limestone, where he built the McNALLY House and has been its proprietor since.  In 1878, he married Margaret McNAMARA, a native of County Clare, Ireland.  Their children are Anna and George B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 478

 

Surnames:  MILLER

 

John MILLER, a native of Prussia, came with his family to Limestone in December, 1864.  He was a worthy citizen, and for ten or eleven years was an employee in the tannery.  Later he was a farmer.  He died in April, 1876.  On his farm the first paying oil well in the valley of Tuna creek was sunk.  In 1875, his only son, John Jr., was accidentally killed, aged twenty-two years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 478 & 479

 

Surnames:  MORSE, WIXON

 

Charles MORSE was born in Ontario County in 1832.  He came from Allegheny County to Carrolton in 1859, and here married Lois C. WIXON.  He then returned to Allegany County and lived three years.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 54th N. Y. Vols. and while at Elmira awaiting orders to move to the front he was attacked with lung trouble and was eventually discharged.  Mr. MORSE has a farm of ten acres.  Of his eight children, four are now living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 479

 

Surnames:  NYE, MATHER, STONE

 

Rev. DeWitt C. NYE, son of Nelson and Abigail (MATHER) NYE, was born in Hume, Allegany county, New York on March 22, 1846.  There he attended the district schools and in September, 1862, with his father’s consent, enlisted with an older brother in Co. F, 4th N.Y.H.A ., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.  After General Grant assumed command his regiment joined the Army of the Potomac at Culpepper and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Ream’s Station, and the Siege of Petersburg.  April 2, 1865, the regiment charged the enemy twice before Richmond and captured 1800 prisoners, two stands of colors, and several pieces of artillery, and was the advance regiment at Lee’s surrender. Mr. NYE was present at all these engagements.  At the close of the war he learned his father’s trade of shoemaker and followed it until he was thirty-six years old.  He was converted at twenty-eight, licensed to exhort at thirty, and studied the English branches on his shoe bench.  He received a local preacher’s license at thirty-four, began a four years course in theology, and in October 1882, received an appointment from the Genesee Conference as a supply for Farmersville, where he remained one year.  In 1883 he supplied East Ashford and next Honeoye, Pa. for two years.  In October, 1886, he joined the conference and was appointed to the charge of Portville.  At the same time he commenced the regular conference course, which he completed on October, 1890.  He remained at Portville until the fall of 1890, when he was appointed to the charge at Limestone.  Mr. NYE married Isadore E. STONE, June 1, 1870.  They have three children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 479

 

Surname:  O’BRIEN

 

John E. O’BRIEN, a native of Cork, Ireland, was born in November, 1840, and reared and educated in England.  In March 1864, he emigrated to America and at once enlisted in the US Navy, serving a little more than two years.  While sinking obstructions to the enemy across James river he was severely bruised by an explosion, from which he never fully recovered.  Mr. O’BRIEN is a farmer in Carrolton and has been overseer of the poor for five years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 479

 

Surnames:  PARKER, IRVINE, MOSES

 

Nelson PARKER, born February 2, 1806, began business in Carrolton as a manufacturer and dealer in pine shingles and lumber.  In 1853, with A. J. IRVINE, he bought the IRVINE mills and from 1856 to 1869 B. F. IRVINE was his lumber partner.  They then sold the mills and large tract of land to Job MOSES and Mr. PARKER engaged in farming.  Later he was a merchant.  He was killed by the cars while crossing the track at Carrolton, November 27, 1873.  He was a capable business man, and was supervisor of Carrolton in 1868 and 1869.  January 19, 1847, he married Catherine B., daughter of Andrew IRVINE, of Warren, Pa.  Their children were Marion B. and Catherine.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 479

 

Surnames:  PATON, LEE

 

William PATON, Sr., born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, December 31, 1838, received a good business education and in 1855 emigrated with his parents to the Genesee Valley.  They resided in Machias and in McKean county, Pa., where his father died in 1874.  Since 1862 Mr. PATON has resided in Carrolton.  He is a farmer.  January 1, 1868, he married Mary LEE, of Ellicottville, and in 1873 settled in the place where he now lives.  Both are members of the M. E. church and interested in every good enterprise.  He has served as overseer of the poor four terms and as highway commissioner one term.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 480

 

Surnames:  PATON, DODGE, SMITH, ALDRICH,

 

William PATON, Jr., was born in Annan, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, September 14, 1847.  In 1864 he came to Limestone and at once commenced a clerkship with DODGE & SMITH, remaining in their employ until they sold their property.  He was engaged the ensuing year with A. E. & G. W. Palen.  In the year 1889, he went to Wilcox, Pa. where he was a clerk in the tannery store of Jackson, Schultz & Co., where he remained for three years.  With his partner Mr. ALDRICH, he then opened a general store in that place under the name of ALDRICH & PATON, which continued three years.  Mr. PATON sold his interest to Mr. ALDRICH in 1871 and removed to Louisville, KY, where he was engaged with Mr. SMITH, before mentioned, in building the manufactory of the Ohio Falls Cooperage Company.  The plant covered an area of two acres.  As soon as the establishment was opened the company employed an average of 125 hands.  Mr. PATON remained there as a partner with Mr. SMITH the ensuing four years, when, on account of ill health, he sold his interest to his partner and returned to Limestone, where he opened a general country store, and where he is still selling goods.  He also has two farms on which are five oil wells.  Mr. PATON has been identified with the entire growth of Limestone, has aided in building its schools and churches, and has erected his store building, and four dwelling houses.  He married Harriet, daughter of Daniel SMITH, in 1870.  They are members of the M. E. church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 480

 

Surnames:  PATON, HAPGOOD

 

John PATON was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, April 24, 1849 and removed to Carlisle, England, in his childhood.  His mother had died and in June, 1867, he came to Limestone where he accepted a position with his uncle, W. PATON, Sr.  He was next an employee of Daniel Smith in Wilcox, Pa., a year.  He has since been an employee and jobber and dealer in bark, wood, and lumber.  Since Hoyt Brothers became proprietors of the Limestone tannery Mr. PATON has been employed as a finisher of leather.  September 28, 1874, he married Georgiana HAPGOOD, also a native of England.  They have an only son, Floyd, born in January, 1876.  Mr. and Mrs. PATON are members of the M. E. church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 480

 

Surname:  PAXON,

 

Myron H. PAXON was born in Aurora, Erie county, in 1840.  In 1863 he assisted as a carpenter in building the tannery at Salamanca, the office and outside charge of which he assumed in 1864 and continued until 1873.  In the fall of that year he accepted a similar position in Jewett & Keating’s tannery at Olean.  In the spring of 1874 this firm transferred Mr. PAXON to their tannery in Port Allegany, McKean county, where he also had charge of the office and outside work.  He remained there until the fall of 1877, when he came to Limestone, where he has since had control of the office, outside work, and financial interest of the concern.  He represented Carrolton on the Board of Supervisors in 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 480

 

Surnames:  RENNER, BELL, SMITH

 

Harry RENNER, born in Mense, Germany, June 6, 1826, emigrated in 1840 to Susquehanna county, Pa., where he engaged at his trade of journeyman tanner until October, 1869, when he came to Limestone and was employed in the Limestone tannery three years.  In 1875 he erected the Limestone House and opened it to the public.  December 24, 1857, he married Mrs. Julianna BELL, widow of Worthy BELL, and to them was born one daughter, Maud R. (Mrs. M. W. SMITH).  Mr. RENNER died April 19, 1878.  His widow survives him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 480 & 481

 

Surnames:  RIGDON, BRADLEY

 

Algernon Sidney RIGDON, son of Sidney, was born in Mentor, Ohio, July 4, 1828.  The family emigrated with teams to Missouri when he was nine years of age.  A year later they removed to Illinois, whence after six years’ residence, they settled in Pittsburg, Pa.  A. S. came to Friendship, Allegany county in 1847, and was employed on the Erie railroad from 1859 until 1874, whence he removed from Cuba to Carrolton village and has since been the efficient agent of that station.  Mr. RIGDON is a staunch Democrat, prominent in his party, a competent and popular citizen, but has constantly refused to accept town office. October 19, 1854, he married Annis BRADLEY, of Cuba.  They have two sons:  Walter S., station agent at Dayton, and George R., manager for the Postal Telegraph Company at Scranton, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 481

 

Surnames:  SCHOONMAKER, PALEN, NICHOLS, BULLIS, McNEIL, SHELDON, DAVIS, KALL, STICKNEY, BELL, LEONARD

 

Hon. Elijah R. SCHOONMAKER, of Limestone, was born in Sullivan county, and is descended from solid Dutch stock.  His father, a farmer and contractor, gave his son a common school education.  At a very early age he was a clerk in a store in his native county for seven years.  He next filled a like position in Ulster county for several years more.  He was a traveling salesman the next three years (until 1868) for a wholesale boot and shoe house at Kingston, and then settled in Limestone, where he has since led a very busy life.  When he located here he formed a partnership with A. E. and G. W. PALEN in mercantile business and was associated in trade with them for three years.  The lumber firm of SCHOONMAKER & NICHOLS was then formed.  About this time he also conducted a lumber business alone, and for many years was one of the owners of the “tannery store.”  From 1875 to 1885 he operated in oil, largely in real estate, and heavily in bark, supplied the tanneries of Great Bend, Canisteo, Hornellsville, and Limestone, and pulled bark from the trees on 10,000 acres.  In addition to this he bought and handled from 5,000 to 10,000 cords of bark per year.  He is now a member of the following firms:  Northern Tier Hemlock Co. Ltd., of which he is general manager; BULLIS, SCHOONMAKER, and McNIEL, real estate and lumber; SCHOONMAKER & SHELDON, hardwood lumber; SCHOONMAKER & DAVIS, lumber; HALL, SCHOONMAKER & Co., lumber; and STICKNEY, BELL & Co., merchants.  He is also prominent in politics and decidedly popular with the people.  He was postmaster of Limestone four years, station agent ten years, seven years president of the Board of Education, and supervisor of Carrolton six consecutive years, ending with 1890, and was reelected in 1893.  In 1882-83 he represented the Second Assembly District of Cattaraugus County in the State Legislature.  He has served as a member of the Republican State Committee for Chatauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties, has attended several times as a delegate the Republican State congressional and senatorial conventions, and is always a delegate to the Republican county conventions.  Mr. SCHOONMAKER is a man of comprehensive business ability and has a ready knowledge of men.  He is a bold speculator and apparently relies on his own judgment.  He is affable and gentlemanly, and a pleasant companion.  He is a good talker, a good listener, and fond of a good joke.  Emphatically, he is the poor man’s friend, ready to aid the needy and help them to help themselves.  February 21, 1867, he married Eliza PALEN, of Sullivan county, who died August 4, 1870.  She was the mother of his son Fred P., born March 11, 1870.  November 2, 1871, he married Sarah J., youngest daughter of Levi LEONARD.  Their children are:  Eliza W., born July 25, 1872; Alice, born December 8, 1873; and Faith, born October 12, 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 481 & 482

 

Surnames:  SCHRADER, MILLER

 

Charles E. SCHRADER, son of Edward, was born in Prussia in April, 1853.  In October 1870, his parents with their family of five sons and two daughters emigrated to America.  In April, 1871, they settled in Limestone, where Mr. SCHRADER at once found employment in the tannery.  Charles E. SCHRADER has spent his whole life as an employee in tanneries and is capable, industrious, and trustworthy.  December 8, 1881, he married Anna L. MILLER, a native of Mechlenberg, Schewrin, Prussia, and a daughter of John MILLER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 482

 

Surnames:  SCOTT, SMITH, DODGE, WOOD, SKINNER

 

Bradner SCOTT was born in Walkill, N. Y..  Losing both parents in early childhood he experienced a youth of extreme hardship.  In 1859 he came to Limestone with Mr. SMITH, of the firm of DODGE & SMITH, in whose employ he had been several years, remaining with them here until August, 1864, when he enlisted in the US Navy under Commodore Farragut in the Squadron of the Mississippi, and was honorably discharged in August 1865.  Returning to Limestone he continued in the employ of DODGE & SMITH until they sold their tannery, and was an employee of the Limestone tannery nearly all the time until 1887.  Since then he has been a farmer.  Mr. SCOTT married, first, Eliza WOOD, who was the mother of six children, five of whom are living.  He married, second, Melinda SKINNER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 482

 

Surnames:  TULLER, PIERCE

 

Maurice TULLER, son of Alvah, was born in the town of North East, Pa., November 4, 1861, and was reared and educated to railroad station work.  His father, the present station agent at Cattaraugus, taught him both telegraphy and depot business.  At the age of sixteen he began as telegraph operator and clerk at Cattaraugus.  He accepted the position of station agent of the B., R. & P. R. R. at Limestone and took charge August 4, 1890.  October 10, 1882, he married Elsie PIERCE, of Cattaraugus, NY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 482

 

Surnames:  VIBBARD, SHANKLAND, LEONARD

 

Shep. L. VIBBARD was born of English parentage in Ellicottville in 1838.  His father, Chester VIBBARD, came from Massachusetts at an early day.  Shep. learned the printing business of the late Robert SHANKLAND, and at the first call for troops enlisted in Co. I, 37th N. Y. Vols., leaving the service as corporal two years later.  Soon afterward, he settled in Limestone, where he has since been prominent in local Democrat politics.  He was elected justice of the peace in 1866, 1870, 1874, 1880, 1884, 1888, and 1892, and is now serving his twentieth year as town clerk.  In 1874 he served as supervisor.  He is also clerk of the village of Limestone and of the Board of Education.  He is a member of Henry Renner Lodge, No. 780, F. & A. M., is it’s present master, is a member of St. John’s Commandery at Olean and of Olean Chapter, of Bradford Post, No. 141 G. A. R., of the A. O. U. W., being district deputy grand master of the latter order in 1889, and of the K. O. T. M. and the E. A. U.  In 1868, Mr. VIBBARD married Cynthia R., daughter of Calvin LEONARD, and they have three children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 482

 

Surnames:  WAMPLE, GRIMES

 

Marcus N. WAMPLE, born in Montgomery county, N. Y. November 1, 1824, came to Vandalia from Chatauqua county in 1850.  He is a lumberman and was employed by William GRIMES, and since his death in 1877 he has been engaged by J. H. GRIMES.  About 1855 he married Mary J., daughter of William GRIMES.  They have one daughter, Jessie, born July 22, 1858.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 482 & 483

 

Surnames:  WATSON, HALLOCK, KIERSTED, PAXON, KNOWLES

 

Robert J. WATSON, son of James and Catherine (HALLOCK) WATSON, was born in South Worcester, Schoharie county, November 15, 1856.  His father enlisted in the Union army, was captured, confined in Andersonville prison, and died of starvation.  Robert J. WATSON, being left at the age of six years without fatherly counsel, experienced a youth of severe hardship.  He began chopping wood for J. H. & A. KIERSTED, tanners of Hancock, NY, who soon gave him a clerkship in their office and store, where he remained five years, devoting the winters to attending school.  He was their bookkeeper and in 1881 accepted the position of agent for the Salamanca tannery.  In 1884 he came to Limestone as bookkeeper of the Limestone tannery, and in 1887 was made agent in place of Mr. PAXON for one year.  Since Mr. PAXON’s return, Mr. WATSON has been his assistant.  Mr. WATSON served as treasurer of the village and as member of the Board of Education several years, being president one year.  In February 1891, he was elected supervisor of Carrolton and reelected in 1892.  April 24, 1881, he married Irona KNOWLES, of Delaware county.  They have one son, Roy R., born August 18, 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 483

 

Surname:  WHITTAKER, OWEN

 

William WHITTAKER, born in Darbyshire, England, May 9, 1821, emigrated with his wife and five children to Blair county, Pa., where Mrs. WHITTAKER died in 1858.  In May 1860, he married Jane E. OWEN, of Colden, N. Y., and in the ensuing fall they settled in Limestone, where Mr. WHITTAKER found employment in the Limestone tannery.  In April 1861, he located on a wood lot of 100 acres, cleared a part of it, and remained there until 1875 when he removed to his present home.  Mr. and Mrs. WHITTAKER have had five children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 483

 

Surnames:  WILLIS,  PHILLIPS, ZELIFF, ETHRIDGE, FISK

 

Chauncy WILLIS, son of Isaac, was born in Conesus, N. Y. December 18, 1818.  His father settled in Machias in March, 1832, their log house having a Dutch-back fireplace and a stick chimney plastered with mud.  The doors were hung on wooden hinges and fastened with wooden latches.  Their currency -- black salts – was at first the only commodity that would bring money.  Isaac WILLIS died in 1837.  October 22, 1842, Chauncy WILLIS married Polly PHILLIPS, who was born in Freedom, October 5, 1822.  They commenced housekeeping on the homestead, where he gave his mother a home until her decease.  From 1862 or ’63 until 1868 he was a farmer near Little Valley Center.  Since then he has been a citizen of the town of Carrolton and has owned the Peter ZELIFF homestead within the corporation of Limestone.  He is a member of the village Board of Trustees.  His children are:  Sarah J., born July 29, 1845, married Nathaniel ETHRIDGE, January 17, 1869, and died October 3, 1872, leaving an only daughter, Cora, who was born April 8, 1870, and resides with her grandparents; Warren W., born April 9, 1846, died in Little Valley, March 22, 1866; and Daniel C., born August 24, 1849, married Loretta FISK, August 24, 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 483

 

Surname:  WIXON

 

Barnabas WIXON and his wife Elsea, with an infant daughter, came to Carrolton from Allegany county in June, 1838.  He was a farmer and died August 1, 1889, aged seventy-nine years.  His aged widow survives him.

 

Seth WIXON came to Carrolton as early as 1836, was a farmer, and settled in the valley about a mile north of Limestone village.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812.  He died in 1850, aged sixty-five years.  He had nine children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Page 483

 

Surnames:  WYNN, TODD

 

James I. WYNN, born in Scottsville, Pa. October 13, 1836, began business as a sawyer in his father’s mill.  In March, 1863, he came to Carrolton as superintendent of B. F. Irvine’s mills, which position he filled until Mr. Irvine died, since which time Mr. WYNN has conducted them for Irvine Bros. and for Plumer, Gilfillan, Steele, & Co.  Mr. WYNN is a man of energy and good business ability.  November 24, 1859, he married Rachel TODD, a native of Jamestown, N. Y., and of sturdy Scotch descent.  Their children are T. Adelaide, a graduate of Geneseo Normal School, a teacher in the city schools of Bradford, Pa., and her father’s bookkeeper, and Irvine L., his father’s head sawyer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Carrolton – Chapter XIX (20)

Pages 483 & 484

 

Surnames:  ZELIFF, DODGE, McKENZIE, BALMAN, SCOTT, DUEL, INGLER, GLASS

 

Peter ZELIFF was born in Northumberland county, Pa.  He was a lumberman, and when a little less than twenty-one years of age he married Marvelous HODGE.  In 1832 he settled in Carrolton, being the second family to locate where the village of Limestone has since been built.  He cleared a small piece of ground and built a log cabin, which he covered with bark.  His place was ten miles from Great Valley, the nearest white settlement, and no road the last six miles.  He used Tuna creek for a highway and brought his wife and four children to his “lodge” in a canoe.  He bought and paid for 200 acres.  Eventually he started for the gold regions of Pike’s Peak and was last heard from near his destination.  It is supposed he was murdered.  Mrs. ZELIFF died in Carrolton in 1874.  They had eleven children.  A daughter, Harriet (Mrs. John McKENZIE), born June 29, 1834, was the first white child born in Carrolton.

 

George ZELIFF, oldest son of Peter, was born in Farmington, Pa, September 19, 1825, came with his parents to Carrolton in 1832, and has since resided here.  He began business for himself in cutting and hewing square timber, making pine shingles, and piloting rafts down the river.  Later he has given his attention to his farm.  April 14, 1853, he married Betsey BALMAN, of Lawrence, Pa, and they have had four children, two of whom died in infancy; the others are William A., born February 28, 1854, married first Jennie SCOTT, and second Stella DUEL; and Ornaldo, born February 5, 1865, married Hetty INGLER.

 

William E. ZELIFF, son of Peter, was born on the homestead in Carrolton in 1835, and was educated in the common schools with a few terms at Chamberlain Institute.  He commenced his business life by buying and selling lumber and shingles and running them to market down the river to Pittsburg, Cinncinnati , and Louisville, which occupation he has followed to the present time.  He was elected clerk of his town at the age of twenty-two years and soon after became constable and collector.  At about the age of twenty-five he settled just across the state line, where he has resided about twenty years, but his business, home, and property has always been in his native town.  In 1885 he returned to Carrolton and in 1886 was elected commissioner of highways, having been elected each year since.  Mr. ZELIFF has, from time to time, operated for oil.  July 4, 1864, he married Marilla J. GLASS of Bradford, and their children are William H., a traveling salesman, and Fred. R.

 

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TOWN OF COLD SPRING

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 497

 

Surnames:  BRACE, ANGLE, REEVES

 

Elisha BRACE was born Jan. 13, 1818, and came to Randolph about 1825.  He married Mary E., daughter of John ANGLE, and she bore him four children: Sophronia (Mrs. D. F. REEVES, of Cold Spring), Russell, of Randolph, Annett, and Ernest.  Mr. BRACE died Sept. 9, 1861, on the farm in Cold Spring onto which he had moved in 1844, and which his widow still occupies.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 497

 

Surnames:  BRUSHINGHAM, MASONER

 

Jeremiah BRUSHINGHAM was born in Ireland and came to America in 1857, locating on a farm in the town of Hinsdale, where he died in 1872.  His widow now lives in Allegany.  His children were Timothy J., Mary, James, Ella (deceased), and Anna.  Timothy J. BRUSHINGHAM was born in Hinsdale, April 15, 1862.  He was reared on the farm.  His father dying when he was but ten years old the support of his mother and her younger children devolved upon his youthful shoulders.  Upon reaching maturity he engaged in other business and in July, 1892, bought the Earl House in Steamburgh, converting it into the principal hotel in the village.  In March, 1887, Mr. BRUSHINGHAM married Mary, daughter of Martin MASONER, of Allegany, and they have three children:  Leo, Lloyd, and Hazel.  He was engaged for four years in lumbering at Onoville, where he served two years as constable.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 497

 

Surnames:  CONGLETON, BEARDSLEY, TIBETTS, WINN

 

Wilber CONGLETON, son of Phelps and Hannah (BEARDSLEY) CONGLETON, was born in Ellicott, Chautauqua county, Oct. 11, 1842.  Phelps CONGLETON came from Vermont to Chautauqua county about 1812.  A brother John served in the Black Hawk wars and became a captain in the navy in the Civil war, where he died.  Phelps came to Randolph in 1852, but in 1863 returned and died in April, 1888.  His first wife, who died May 24, 1864, bore him nine children: Mary J., Sarah A., James B., Luther C., William, 1st, Laura S., William, 2d, and Wilber, twins, and Rebecca.  By his second wife, Mrs. TIBBETTS, he had no children.  Mr. CONGLETON was fourteen years in the State militia and attained the rank of a non-commissioned officer.

 

Wilber CONGLETON was raised on a farm, came to the town of Randolph in the year 1852, and when fifteen years of age began life on the Allegheny river on a raft.  In June, 1864, he enlisted in Co. C, 13th N. Y. H. A., at Steamburgh, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865.  In 1867 he began rafting lumber down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, which business he has continued more or less since.  In Oct., 1873, Mr. CONGLETON came to Steamburgh, where he has become well known in political circles.  A staunch Democrat in politics he is not an office-seeker; for one term, however, he accepted the position of justice of the peace.  He is a member of D. T. Wiggins Post, G. A. R., Randolph.  He is well known among the legal fraternity of western New York, having served them many times in important capacities.  Jan. 14, 1879, Mr. CONGLETON married Jennie, daughter of Caleb WINN, of Sinclairville, Chautauqua county; children – James H. (deceased) and Jennie M. L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 497

 

Surnames:  COVERT, ANGLE, WILSON, BUTLER,  EWING, McMILLAN

 

Anthony COVERT was born in Dryden, Tompkins county, Nov. 30, 1821, and came to Chautauqua county with his father in 1837.  In 1843 he came to Randolph, where he married Almira A., daughter of John N. ANGLE, and their children are John Asher, William N., and Lydia E. (Mrs. L. WILSON), who died Nov. 25, 1889.  Mr. COVERT removed to his present farm in Cold Spring in 1846, and has since served as overseer of the poor and road commissioner.  He has also carried on lumbering in connection with farming.

 

John Asher COVERT, born Feb. 2, 1849, married, first, Addie BUTLER, of Randolph, by whom he had three children – Bessie, Herbert, and Glenn.  Mrs. COVERT died in July, 1890, and he married, second, Margaret, daughter of Joel EWING, of Randolph.  He is a farmer near his father.

 

William N. COVERT was born in Cold Spring, Jan. 15, 1854, and married, Feb. 2, 1873, Sibbie J., daughter of Alden McMILLAN, and they have had two children: Cora Alma, born April 1, 1874, and Hart A., who died Aug. 26, 1886.  Mr. COVERT has served as excise commissioner and school trustee.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 498

 

Surnames:  CULVER, PRICE

 

Noah CULVER, a soldier of the War of 1812, came to Little Valley about 1817.  His sons were Lyman, Eliphalet, Noah, Jr., Edward, and Charles and his daughters were Charlotte, Martha, Eletha, Louisa, and Sally.  Edward CULVER was fatally injured in the railroad accident in Steamburgh on Oct. 28, 1872, and died Nov. 2d following.  His widow, Matilda PRICE, and son Jerome reside in Cold Spring.  Lyman CULVER was a long time resident of this town and prominent and influential as a citizen.  His daughter, Miss Helen CULVER, resides in Chicago, Ill., and by her own industry has accumulated a fortune running into the millions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 498

 

Surnames:  FLAGG, CROOK, WYMAN

 

Alpha FLAGG was born in Canada West, July 31, 1841, and came to South Valley in 1855 to work for his uncle, Elzi FLAGG.  Later he engaged in farming there and in 1868 removed to Steamburgh as proprietor, first with Howard Wright and afterward alone, of the Steamburgh House, which he conducted until August 20, 1876, when he went to Salamanca as landlord of the Dudley House.  He returned to Steamburgh in 1877 to resume the proprietorship of his former hotel, running, it until June 1, 1882, when he went to South Valley.  There he remained until April 11, 1888, when he again returned to Steamburgh as proprietor of the Steamburgh House, which he conducted until July 1, 1892, when be converted it into his own dwelling and became assistant postmaster under H. G. WYMAN, which position he now fills.  Mr. FLAGG married Laura, daughter of Nathan CROOK, one of the first settlers in Cold Spring; children: Cleve M., Carl P., Ruth, and an infant deceased.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 497

 

Surnames:  HACKET, PRICE, CROWLEY, TURNER, KENT

 

James HACKET, born in Ireland in 1809, came to America in 1829, locating in Cattaraugus county near Ellicottville.  In 1831 he came to Cold Spring and was killed by the cars at Marsh's crossing in March, 1891.  He was a farmer and a Catholic.  His wife was Lucy, daughter of Samuel PRICE, who came to Cold Spring in 1832.  Their children were Barney, Perry, Aurelia, John, Francis, and Susan, of whom John, born April 15, 1846, has been a life-long resident of Cold Spring and by occupation has been a farmer and lumberman.  He studied law with Rodney R. CROWLEY, of Randolph, but was never admitted to the bar.  August 8, 1863, he enlisted in Co. M, 13th N. Y. H. A., and served two years.  His brother Perry enlisted in 1862 and served about three years in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols.  John HACKET has been elected justice of the peace continuously since 1878, and has served as constable, school trustee, and justice of sessions two terms.  He married, first, in 1873, Ellen, daughter of Thomas TURNER, an early settler of Cold Spring.  She died in 1874 and Mr. HACKET married, second, Feb. 28, 1877, Annett, daughter of Brazil KENT, of Steamburgh, and their children are B. Grace, born Dec. 11, 1877, and Cary, born July 11,1880.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 498

 

Surname:  HALE

 

Albert HALE was at one time a prominent resident and one of the leading farmers of Cold Spring.  He was supervisor of the town in 1889 and 1890, and died a year or two ago.  His widow resides on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 498

 

Surnames: HELMS, KELLEY, CHAMPLIN, HOLT, REEVES, EDDY, COY

 

Milton HELMS came to Cold Spring in 1826 and cleared the farm where his son Orson E. now lives, where he lived and died in November, 1873.  His wife, Lorinda KELLEY, died there in 1879.  Mr. HELMS was constable and collector and otherwise prominent in town affairs.  His children were John (deceased), Julia A. (Mrs. George CHAMPLIN), deceased, Mary E. (Mrs. H. H. HOLT), Willard (deceased), Emeline (Mrs. G. W. REEVES), Elizabeth (Mrs. Nathan EDDY), Eliza (Mrs.A. COY), and Orson E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 499

 

Surnames:  HOVEY, METCALF, SPAULDING, SNOW, CASE, HALL, HARMON, LARKIN

 

Ziba HOVEY, born in 1788, came from Genesee county (now Wyoming) to Conewango in 1829, where he pursued farming.  Shortly afterward he removed to Randolph and engaged in hotel keeping, following this business in both villages during a considerable portion of the remainder of his life.  In 1836 he started west with his family, intending to go down the, Allegheny and Ohio rivers on a raft.  He embarked his effects at the confluence of Cold Spring creek with the Allegheny river, but navigation gave out and he landed there and built and started a hotel, which he kept two years, being succeeded by Howard FULLER, Sr.  The building burned a few years ago.  Mr. HOVEY returned to Randolph, where be kept hotel, and eventually removed to Cold Spring, where he died at the residence of his son, La Fayette, Feb. 17, 1879, aged nearly ninety-one.  His wife, born in 1789, was Sophia METCALF, whom he married Dec. 25, 1810.  Their children were Chauncey A. (deceased); Sophronia S. (deceased); Andrew J. (deceased); Ziba M., born July 1, 1816, of East Randolph; Emily A. (Mrs. D. B. SPAULDING), born April 5, 1818, of Cold Spring; Alta M. (deceased), born Nov. 29, 1819; Laura P. (Mrs. C. A. SNOW), born Oct. 20, 1821, of East Randolph ; Franklin C., born Oct. 21, 1823 ; Clarissa H., of Iowa; Amelia A., born July 23, 1827; and La Fayette, born March 15, 1831.  Mrs. HOVEY died Feb. 17, 1873.

 

LaFayette HOVEY came to Cold Spring in 1863 and to his present farm in 1866.  He married, Oct. 13, 1858, Louisa T. CASE, of Bergen, Genesee county, and their children are Fernando G., born Sept. 11, 1859; Carrie E., born June 20, 1862; and Nettie M., born July 14, 1865,  Mr. HOVEY is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and with his father and two brothers has assisted in the erection of almost every building in East Randolph village.

 

Franklin C. HOVEY is also a carpenter and joiner by trade.  From 1858 until 1865 he followed lumbering, and since then has been both a farmer and lumberman.  He now lives in East Randolph.  While residing in Cold Spring he served as assessor six years and justice of the peace one term.  May 8, 1848, Mr. HOVEY married Harriet H., daughter of Horace HALL, one of the pioneers of Randolph.  Their children are De Ette (deceased); Edgar W. (deceased); Adelle (Mrs. W. G. HARMON), of Old Orchard Beach, Me.; Nellie F.; and Kittie M. (Mrs. F. LARKIN, Jr.), of Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 499

 

Surnames:  LYON, WRIGHT, WYMAN, MORSE

 

Ethel L. LYON, for a long time a prominent resident of Steamburgh, was a lumberman and a farmer.  He came into the town in the fall of 1847, and died here Dec. 19, 1889.  His wife, Sophia, a daughter of Charles WRIGHT, deceased, lives with her son in Steamburgh village.  Their children were Ellen J., Clayton S., Manley S. (deceased), Maryette (Mrs. H. G. WYMAN), Adella R. (deceased), Julia E. Herman A., and Fred L.  Mr. LYON organized the first school ever taught in Cold Spring and with Charles MORSE named the village of Steamburgh.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 499

 

Surnames:  METCALF, ASH, HUNTINGTON, SMITH, HEVENOR, HUGGINS

 

Jotham METCALF, born July 16, 1791, in Keene, N. H., came to Conewango in Feb., 1823, and settled on lot 2, being the first settler on Elm creek in that town.  His wife, Sarah ASH, born in Rensselaer county in 1794, died March 22, 1883.  Their children were Sarah H. (Mrs. T. HUNTINGTON), deceased; Jotham H., deceased; Henry L., of East Randolph; David M.; and Mary M. (Mrs. Zalmon SMITH), of Napoli.  Mr. METCALF died at the home of his youngest daughter July 5, 1875.  He was a life-long resident of Conegango, and both he and his wife were exemplary members of the Freewill Baptist church, uniting, however, with several others in 1826 in forming a Methodist class at their house, there being no services of their own faith then in the town.  For many years Mr. METCALF was a deacon of the church.

 

David M. METCALF, born in Conewango, April 10, 1823, married, March 19, 1847, Jeannette, daughter of Ira SMITH, and they have had two children, viz.: Mary Isabelle, who married W. D. HEVENOR, of Salamanca, and is deceased, and Cora (Mrs. C. A.. HUGGINS, of Salamanca).  Mr. METCALF has been justice of the peace many years, justice of sessions two terms, poormaster, and town auditor.  He is a representative farmer and a public spirited citizen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 498

 

Surnames:  MORSE, HARTMAN, ARNOLD

 

Harding MORSE, born in Connecticut, Feb. 5, 1796, was a descendant of seven brothers, early settlers of New England, and his father, James, served seven years in the Revolutionary army.  His mother was a Brewster, a family noted in New England history.  Mr. MORSE was a hatter by trade and worked in the first factory in the United States that employed machinery in the manufacture of hats, pursuing his avocation under lock and key, for the work then was a secret.  His wife, Catherine HARTMAN, whom he married in Dansville, Livingston county, about 1820, bore him eight children, three of whom grew to maturity, viz.: Harman, Lovisa, and Charles.  He removed finally to Perry, Wyoming county, after following his trade in nearly all the eastern States, and came thence in 1833 to Otto, where he was a farmer and lumberman, running a saw-mill there about two years.  In 1842 he moved to Mansfield and thence in 1847 to Cold Spring, where he died Oct. 30, 1853.  His wife died in Otto, April 10, 1840.  He was a Royal Arch Mason.

 

Charles MORSE, born in Perry, Wyoming county, Aug. 14, 1830, was reared on a farm and came to Steamburgh with his father in 1847, when there was but one house in the place, and for four weeks saw no white man and but one Indian.  He married, Jan. 15, 1854, Rachel, daughter of Rev. Thomas ARNOLD (see Napoli), and their only child, Charles Harding, was born Sept. 7, 1856.  Mr. MORSE has manufactured large quantities of lumber.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 500

 

Surnames:  PRICE, CHENEY, CULVER, POPE, EARL, CROOKS, BUTLER

 

The PRICE family has long been prominent in the settlement of Cold Spring.  Its members have always been public spirited, influential citizens, many of them holding offices of trust and responsibility.  The first of the name to arrive was Meletiah PRICE, who came about 1827, settling where Steamburgh now is.  He later moved to Little Valley and thence to Conewango, where he died in 1850.

 

Samuel PRICE came from Otsego, Otsego county, to Cold Spring in 1833 and settled on the farm where his son Dorr now lives, and where he died May 31, 1862.  His wife, Elizabeth CHENEY, who died March 11, 1876, bore him these children: Ebenezer C. (deceased), James W. (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Matilda (Mrs. Edward CULVER), of Steamburgh, Lucy, Angeline (Mrs. Angel POPE), of Randolph, Jonathan (deceased), Joseph, Martin, and Dorr.  Mr. PRICE was justice of the peace many years, poormaster, assessor, school trustee, and a lumberman and farmer.

 

Joseph PRICE was born March 10, 1832, married, Feb. 12, 1854, Diantha, daughter of William EARL, and they have had two children: Amanda (Mrs. John CROOKS), of Corydon, Pa., and Elmer, of Waterford, Pa.  Mr. PRICE built and for fifteen years ran a saw-mill.  Aug. 13, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war, being slightly wounded.  Dorr PRICE enlisted at the same time and in the same company, and served nineteen months, being discharged for physical disability.

 

Ebenezer C. PRICE, born June 19, 1815, died in Cold Spring June 17, 1875.  He was prominent in political affairs, serving as supervisor, county excise commissioner, justice of the peace, justice of sessions, and coroner.  His wife was Sally, daughter of Noah CULVER, and their children were Ellen (deceased), Emma (Mrs. T. P. BUTLER), of Cold Spring, Elbert, of Cold Spring, and Elsie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 501

 

Surnames:  REEVES, HELMS, ABBEY, PROSSNER, BRACE

 

George W. REEVES, son of Warren H. (see South Valley), was born Aug, 16, 1827, and came with his parents to South Valley in 1837.  He married, June 51, 1849, Emeline, daughter of Milton HELMS, of Cold Spring, and their children are Fayette W. (deceased); Delora R. (Mrs. D. J. ABBEY), of Salamanca; Frank A., of Salamanca; Lizzie M. (Mrs. M. P.PROSSER), of Buffalo; Lorenda A. (deceased); and Ernest G. and Darwin W., of Johnsonburg, Pa.  Mr. REEVES has been a farmer, carpenter, and lumberman.  He came to Cold Spring in 1849.  While in South Valley he was town clerk one term.  With his two brothers, William I. and Daniel F., he enlisted in Co. I, 9th N. Y. Cav., in 1864, serving until the war closed.  He has retired from active life.

 

Daniel F. REEVES, another son of Warren H. REEVES, was born May 12, 1834, and married, March 31, 1866, Sophronia, daughter of Elisha BRACE, and their children are Warren E., born Jan. 11, 1867; George R., born Feb. 5, 1869, of North Dakota; Ernest C., born Dec. 2, 1872; Daniel E., born Jan. 24, 1875; and J. BRACE, born April 20, 1877.  Mr. REEVES has been assistant clerk of the Board of Supervisors, town assessor, and for over thirty years a teacher in the public schools.  He has been district deputy of the county grange and was supervisor in 1892 and re-elected in 1893

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Cold Spring – Chapter XXI (21)

Page 501

 

Surnames:  WYMAN, LYON, MORSE, LEACH

 

Josiah WYMAN came to Steamburgh from Kennedy, Chautauqua county, in 1847, but soon returned.  His children were Harvey G. and Hettie (deceased).  He died in 1857.  Harvey G. WYMAN, born April 30, 1849, married, July 4, 1870, Maryette, daughter of E. L. LYON, and their children are Jennie S., Nellie S., Elmer H., Ellis A., and Beulah H.  He has spent his life in lumbering.  In September, 1892, with C. H. MORSE, under the firm name of MORSE & WYMAN, he bought the steam saw and shingle-mill of Joseph LEACH which was formerly owned by E. L. LYON.  Mr. WYMAN has been postmaster four years, highway commissioner one year, and school trustee three years.

 

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TOWN OF CONEWANGO

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 511

 

Surnames:  ALDRICH, WEBBER, SANDERSON, STANLEY, CHAPIN, WHITFORD, HOLBROOK

 

Ziba ALDRICH, a native of Richmond, N. H., died in Rutland, Vt., aged eighty-two.  His wife was Hannah WEBBER.  Abner ALDRICH, their third child, was born in Vermont, May 9, 1782, and removed to Canton, St. Lawrence County, where he died in 1862.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812.  His wife Betsey was a daughter of Moses SANDERSON, a Revolutionary soldier, and of their seven children Harris was born in Rutland county, Vt., Oct. 31, 1814, and came to Randolph, Aug. 3, 1837.  March 8, 1840, he married Diana, daughter of Joseph and Pearl (CHAPIN) STANLEY, of Homer, N. Y.  She died Feb 17, 1886.  Their children were Pearl A., born Sept, 26, 1841, married David F. WHITFORD, and has one daughter, Cordelia L. (Mrs. Charles HOLBROOK), of Oil City, Pa.; Hartwell B., Jan. 16, 1844; Abner A., June 13, 1848; Estella D., died in 1872; and Kate A., March 4, 1859.  Mr. ALDRICH is said to have been the first in Cattaraugus County to apply steam-power to the manufacture of butter and cheese.  He has served many years as Justice of the peace, has been school superintendent, was associate justice of the county two years, and has taught at least twenty terms of school.  He has been a man of prominence and enterprise, and now, in retired life, carries the esteem and high respect of his fellow townsmen.  Abner A. ALDRICH was supervisor of Conewango in 1869.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 511

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, TOWNSEND, FARNHAM

 

James ALLEN, son of Joseph and Sarah Ann ALLEN, was born in Rhode Island and came to this town in 1830.  He died at Clear Creek on March 2, 1854.  His first wife, Hannah TOWNSEND, bore him these children: Ripley T., Sarah A., James P., and Henry.  Mr. ALLEN married, second, Terzah TOWNSEND, by whom he had one son, Mason.  His third wife was Emily FARNHAM who was the mother of his youngest son; Charles T.  Henry ALLEN owns and occupies the paternal homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 511

 

Surname: BENSON

 

Archer BENSON was an early settler of Randolph.  A grandson is a general merchant in Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 511

 

Surnames:  BAILEY, NOYES, JOHNSON

 

Joseph BAILEY who was born, lived, and died in Oxford, Vt., left one son, Joseph, who was born June 23, 1800, removed to Black Rock in 1827, and came thence to Conewango in 1826, settling where he still resides (April, 1893).  He is a cooper by trade.  He married Ann NOYES, whose mother's father, Timothy JOHNSON, was a captain at the battle of Bunker Hill.  Their children are James J., Maryam, and Mandana N.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 511

 

Surname:  BARTON

 

David BARTON died in Leon about 1830, having come to that town from Massachusetts in 1820.  His son Grosvenor located in Conewango the same year and cleared the farm on which he died in 1876.  Some of the latter's children still reside on the homestead and in the vicinity.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 511

 

Surnames:  BENSON, DOREMUS, PIER, FOX, MARTIN

 

Daniel BENSON came to Conewango from Mendon, N. Y., in 1824.  Here he died in 1859. aged ninety years.  He was born near Patterson, N. J., and married Rachel DOREMUS, who died in this town in 1838.  Their children were Rebecca, John, Jane, Cornelius, Garret, Peter D., and David.  David BENSON, a native of New Jersey, was born April 25, 1798, and died in Conewango on Oct. 30, 1870.  His wife, Catharine PIER, died in Randolph on Oct. 11, 1882.  Their children were Sally A., John D., Rachel J., Caroline A., Rebecca S., Mary C., Lydia L., Ellen A., and Daniel D.  The latter was born in Conewango, Jan. 18, 1825, married, Oct 15, 1848, Catharine M. FOX, and had one child, Gary, born May 13, 1852.  Gary BENSON married Laura E. MARTIN, Sept. 9, 1874, and resides on the BENSON homestead.  The BENSONs have been prominent in local matters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 511 & 512

 

Surnames:  BIGELOW, SPENCER, WELLS, WOOD, BURT

 

 John BIGELOW, a son of John and a native of Colchester, Conn., died in Conewango on April 14, 1844, coining here in 1834.  He was a Revolutionary soldier and for many years a Baptist minister.  He married Temperance SPENCER and had born to him these children:  Elihu, Temperance, Temperance, 2d, Lucy, Cynthia, Mary, Eunice, John S., and Israel B.  John S. BIGELOW was born March 14, 1807.  He married Caroline A. WELLS and his children were Wells J., Emmaria, Harriet, Antoinette L., Mary J., Charles A., Francis M., and Amanda H.  Mr. BIGELOW died March 26, 1866.  Mrs. BIGELOW survives and lives with her daughters Amanda and Harriet.  Wells J. BIGELOW, born Nov. 5, 1830, married Laura P. WOOD, and has one daughter, Caroline A. (Mrs. Franklin C. BURT).  Mr. BIGELOW owns and operates the Axeville cheese factory, which was built in 1870 by Morgan L. Worden.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 512

 

Surnames:  BUFFINGTON,  CHURCHILL, BALLARD

 

Hon. William BUFFINGTON, son of William, was born in Cambridge, Washington County, May 31, 1817.  William, Sr., came with his family to New Albion (q. v.) in June, 1826, where both he and his wife (Harriet CHURCHILL) died, the former in March, 1858, and the latter in March, 1874.  Both were Baptists and highly esteemed citizens.  William, Jr., at an early age evinced considerable ability as a scholar, especially as a mathematician, and while young was elected in New Albion inspector of schools and subsequently superintendent of schools five successive terms.  In 1849, 1850, and 1857 he represented that town on the Board of Supervisors and in 1857 was elected to the Assembly, being re-elected in 1858, and was chairman of the Committee on Roads and Bridges.  First a Whig of the Seward type and afterward and continuously a staunch Republican he represented his district as a delegate to the first Republican convention in 1854, and in 1861 he received the first appointment from Lincoln's cabinet as mail-route agent from Dunkirk to New York city over the Erie railroad.  Mr. BUFFINGTON from early manhood took an active and a prominent part in temperance movements and in religious matters, and in all affairs his excellent judgment and influence have carried vast weight and prestige.  In Feb., 1850, he married Eleanor BALLARD, who bore him six children.  The family came to Conewango several years ago.  Mr. BUFFINGTON purchased a farm on Elm creek.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 512

 

Surname:  CHENEY

 

Willard CHENEY, after living in Genesee County and later in Chautauqua County, moved to Leon, and finally settled in Conewango, where he died.  His son Thomas W. located in Leon in 1818 and died there November 17, 1892.  He was a Wesleyan Methodist minister and at one time was presiding elder.  Mrs. Willard CHENEY was a niece of General Warren of Revolutionary fame.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 512

 

Surnames:  COATES, JARVIS, MERRY, MASON

 

Daniel COATES, an Englishman by birth, came to Conewango in 1830 and died April 11, 1857.  He was a farmer.  He married Martha Jarvis, who was born and died in England, being the mother of two children, Nathaniel and Ann.  His second wife was Ann MERRY, by whom he had one son, Nathan.  Ann COATES, who was born February 9, 1807 married, August 1, 1825, Charles MASON, who died October 2, 1851, from accident.  Their children were Martha J., Mary A., Charlotte E., William J., George J., Daniel B. P., and Charles J.  Mrs. MASON died Feb. 11, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 512 & 513

 

Surnames:  COATES, MERRY

 

Nathaniel COATES, son of Daniel and brother of Mrs. Ann (COATES) MASON, was born in England, October 13, 1809, and died in Chautauqua County in March 1871.  His wife was Martha MERRY, who bore him three children Alfred N. (deceased), Thomas D. (deceased), Richard J., William M. (deceased), Elizabeth, James, and Mary S. (deceased).  Mrs. COATES died Aug. 15, 1848, and Mr. COATES married, second, Mary MERRY, sister of his first wife, and third Harriet HOUSE.  Richard J. COATES, born Nov. 12, 1839, married, January 7, 1869, Julia F. MORGAN, of Conewango.  He enlisted Aug. 21, 1861, in Co. I, 49th N. Y. Vols.,  and was discharged Jan. 6, 1863.  He has been supervisor since 1892 and has served as town clerk five terms.  Thomas D. COATES served in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav., and died from poison at Annapolis, MD., Nov. 4, 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 513

 

Surnames:  COE, STEWART, FOSTER, LACY, JONES

 

COE. – John M. STEWART, a native of Williamstown, Mass., settled in Ohio, where he died.  He married Electa FOSTER, who bore him these children: Alonzo, Sophia, and Elvira R.  The latter married Alfred LACY, who died in Union, WI., aged forty-five.  She married, second, Luman COE, who died at the age of about seventy years.  Mrs. COE survives her husband and resides in Conewango.  Her sister Sophia married Hanson JONES, also of this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 513

 

Surnames:  COREY, FITCH

 

Benjamin COREY, the father-in-law of one of John A. FITCH's sons, settled in Leon in 1821, moved thence to Rutledge, and died in 1857.  He was a pioneer in temperance work in Cattaraugus County and gained a considerable reputation as an abolitionist. .

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 513

 

Surnames:  COWAN, SMITH, SEAGER, METCALF

 

John COWEN was born in Rhode Island, served in the Revolutionary war, came to Conewango in 1833, and died at the age of ninety-one years.  His wife, Olive SMITH, bore him these children: Eddie, John, Arthur F., Sally, Esther, and Waity.  Eddie COWEN died in Tolland, Conn.  His children were Theodore, Jane, Olive, Sarah, Norman E. G., and John M.   John M. COWEN, born December 12, 1826, came to Conewango when six years old.  He cleared the farm where he now resides.  August 3, 1847, he married Rachel A. SEAGER, by whom he has had these children: Adeline, Josephine W., Salla A., John N., Lester E., Jennie M., Orestus S., and William S.  Norman E. G. COWEN, born in Connecticut in 1833, married Hattie A. METCALF, a native of New Albion, and their children are Eddie L., Austin M., Arthur C., and Olive A.  He resides on the homestead of his grandfather.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 513

 

Surnames:  COWAN, HOTCHKISS, MERCHANT, BUSHNELL

 

Emmett COWAN was born in Jamestown, N. Y., in 1828.  His marriage with Harriet HOTCHKISS, of South Valley, bore him these children: Emma, Erie, Irving, Abbie, and Dana A.  Mr. COWEN [sic] died in 1868.  Dana A. COWAN was born in South Valley, March 4, 1862, and March 4, 1891, he married Stella. daughter of Album and Helen (MERCHANT) BUSHNELL.  He is proprietor of the Elm Creek cheese factory.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 513

 

Surnames:  COWLEY, STEPHENS

 

Samuel COWLEY, a native of Delaware county and an early settler of Conewango, died Feb. 15, 1845.  His wife, Sophronia STEPHENS, died here Sept. 11 1885.  They reared a large family, several representatives of whom still reside in town.  He was a famous hunter, and in early days killed much large game.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 513 & 514

 

Surnames:  CROOKER, McGLASHAN, CRUMB, PENHOLLOW, BATES, ALDRICH, O'CONNER

 

Sampson CROOKER was a native of England and for many years a sea captain.  He came to Conewango from Greene County in 1818, and with Robert McGLASHAN built the first sawmill in town.  With Culver CRUMB he built a saw and grist-mill on Clear creek in 1825, and alone he set out the first orchard and gave the land for the first cemetery in Conewango.  His wife Alma was an energetic, hardy pioneer, and braved with undaunted courage the incidents of a frontier life.  Their son, Hon. George A. S. CROOKER, is mentioned at length in the chapter on the Bench and Bar.  Among the latter's children is S. Deloss, who was born in Conewango, May 4, 1828, married, Sept. 4, 1848, Philena F. PENHOLLOW, daughter of Reuben and Eliza M. (BATES) PENHOLLOW, of Conewango, who bore him two children: Paul D., born Sept. 4, 1849, died Oct. 26, 1852, and Alice I. G., born Feb. 2, 1852, who married, May 14, 1871, Abner ALDRICH, and has these children: Ella, D. Estella, Emir M., Stanley C., Harris, Philena, and Lilly I.  Mr. CROOKER has always resided in Conewango.  He has served as town clerk and has held other positions of trust.  George A. S. CROOKER's second wife was Mary J. O’CONNER, of Albany, by whom he had five children:  Minnie, Alma, Georgia, Roderick, and Magdalene.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 514

 

Surnames:  CURTISS, HART, BATES, DAY

 

Joseph CURTISS was born in Huntington, Conn., where he died at an advanced age.  He was a life-long farmer.  His son Joseph came to Cattaraugus county in 1836 and died March 4, 1840.  He followed the sea many years.  His wife, Mary HART, died January 4, 1837.  Their children were George W.  John, Clarissa, Mary, Cornelia, 2d, Sarah A., Asa E., and Robert H.  The latter was born in Huntington, Conn., September 25, 1832, and now occupies the homestead.  January 31, 1850, he married Josephine E., daughter of William and Mariah (BATES) Day, who was born Sept. 24, 1831.  Their children are Helen, born Oct. 24, 1850; Frank F., born October 24, 1851; Helen, 2d, born July 14, 1854; Walter E., born March 22, 1856; William R., born Nov. 14, 1857; Frances J., born January 14, 1860; Carrie V., born Sept. 18, 1861; Harland, born Feb. 14, 1866; Lizzie C., born July 31, 1870; Evelin E., born Oct. 14, 1872; and Joseph A., born Aug. 25, 1874.  Mr. CURTISS is a farmer in the north part of the town, where he has lived since 1861.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 514

 

Surnames:  DARLING, MORETON, SAUNDERS, HOLLISTER, WORDING

 

Benjamin DARLING, born in Rutland, Vt. Nov. 8, 1782, came into the town of Conewango in 1821 and died in April 1861.  He married Maria MORETON, who died January 18, 1848, their children being Betsey M., Huldah Ezra, Polly Ann, Benjamin S., and Christiana.  Benjamin S. DARLING was born July 7, 1819, and married, February 3, 1844, Sally SAUNDERS, who bore him these children: Polly A., Sally M., Saloma D., Charles B., Thomas J., Titus S., James B., Ada C., Ezra I., Frances P., and Myrta M.  James B. DARLING was born March 15, 1857.  Nov. 12, 1879, he married Effie S. HOLLISTER, and his children are Ezra B. and Effie M.  Titus S. DARLING, who was born March 4, 1855, married Ada L. WORDING Dec. 25, 1877, and has one son, Cleveland S.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 514

 

Surnames:  DOCKSTADER, VAN DE WALKER, VEEDER, SEARLES, FOX, COWAN

 

George Adam DOCKSTADER, son of Nicholas and Dorcas (VAN DE WALKER) DOCKSTADER, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1775.  Nicholas DOCKSTADER was a native of Montgomery county, where he died in 1830.  He was a German by birth, a farmer by occupation, and a Revolutionary soldier from patriotism.  George A. DOCKSTADER came to Conewango in 1834, was the first permanent settler on the DOCKSTADER farm, and removed to Montgomery county, where he died July 26, 1870.  He was a very prominent and enterprising pioneer, and possessed untiring energy and much native ability.  He married Sarah VEEDER, who died here in Oct., 1855, having borne him these children: Catharine, Anna, Adam, Sarah, A. V., and Alida.  Adam DOCKSTADER was born Nov. 27, 1806, married, Feb. 22, 1827, Angelica SEARLES, and had born to him children as follows: Dennis, Sarah J., Anna M., Alida C., and George A.  The latter was born Dec. 31, 1827, and married, April 28, 1869, A. Alida FOX, by whom he had three children: Annie. K. (Mrs. Orestus S. COWEN), Sarah, and Georgie A.  Not only the paternal ancestors of the DOCKSTADER family but the maternal ancestry as well were prominent in Revolutionary times.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 514 & 515

 

Surnames:  ELLSWORTH, DAY, JENKES, GARDNER

 

Stiles B. ELLSWORTH, son of Benjamin, was born in Ellington, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1832.  Benjamin ELLSWORTH was born in East Windsor, Conn., Dec. 25, 1793, and died in Conewango, Nov. 8, 1871.  His wife, Calista DAY, was a daughter of Judge DAY, of Vermont, and their children were M. Eliza, Stiles B., and Florence A.  Mr. ELLSWORTH came to this town from Chautauqua County in 1840, and was a farmer by occupation.  Stiles B. ELLSWORTH finished his rudimentary education at Fredonia Academy and devoted much of his life to the practice of civil engineering.  In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 154th N. Y, Vols., and at Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863, was three times wounded.  Being left on the field for dead he laid there four days and was finally taken by the Confederates, being subsequently exchanged and promoted first lieutenant.  Jan. 1, 1856, he married Victoria JENKS, who died Aug. 13, 1867.  He married, second, Oct. 14, 1869, Betsey M. GARDNER.  Mr. ELLSWORTH was supervisor of Conewango in 1882, 1883, and 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 515

 

Surnames:  FISHER, SMITH, STANLEY

 

Simeon FISHER, son of Simeon and Lucy FISHER, was born in Windham county, Vt., came to Poland, Chautauqua county, in 1831, and thence to Randolph in 1840, where he died at the age of seventy-two.  Simeon FISHER, Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier, as were also two brothers, while Simeon, Jr., served three months as a musician in the War of 1812.  Simeon FISHER, Jr., married Lucy SMITH, who bore him nine children: Lucy C., Palena, Lewis, Ebenezer, Rosella, Carmelia, Lucy, Olive (deceased), and Vilando.  The latter was born in Windham county, Vt., Jan. 22, 1820, came to Randolph in 1837, and married, Aug. 11, 1842, Betsey STANLEY, who was-born in March, 1821, and died in Conewango in 1881.  Their children were Diana (deceased), Luceba, and Mary.  Mr. FISHER is a chair and cabinetmaker by trade, a farmer by occupation, and has voted at every election since 1842.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 515

 

Surname:  FITCH

 

Eseck FITCH came to Leon in 1845 and died there ten years later.  His son John A., born in 1805, came to Conewango in 1831.  Both had large families and were prominent in town affairs.  John A. FITCH was an indefatigable temperance worker and eminent as a local abolitionist.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 515

 

Surnames:  FRISBIE, BROWN, NEWCOMB, NOYES, BAILEY

 

George FRISBIE was born in Litchfield, Conn., and came to Conewango in February 1832, clearing the farm on which he died February 25, 1868, aged eighty-five.  He married Filena BROWN, and their children were Orator K. and Charles R.  Orator K., born Aug. 27, 1823, married Aurilla NEWCOMB, had children George, Roxana, Charles, Maxa, Ellen, Flora, and Nelson, and died in Conewango in April, 1869.  Charles R. FRISBIE, born Dec. 20, 1826, married Mandana, daughter of Joseph and Ann (NOYES) BAILEY, and has had born to him four children: Mary Ann, Ettie E., and Melvin and Melvina (twins).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 515

 

Surnames:  FULLER, GREENWOOD, McGLASHAN, FARMER

 

David FULLER was born in Dover, Mass., was a farmer, and died here at an advanced age.  His son Joseph, who died in Shrewsbury, Vt. in 1845, married Achsah GREENWOOD , who was born Dec. 16, 1778.  Their children were Charles, Greenwood, Joseph, Achsah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Daniel.  Daniel FULLER was born in Shrewsbury, Vt., March 18, 1823, came to Conewango in 1855, and purchased the Charles McGLASHAN farm, where he now resides.  His wife, Harriet M. FARMER, whom he married Feb. 21, 1859, died July 13, 1886.  Their children were Henry E., born Nov. 29, 1859, died Sept. 4, 1872; Achsali H., born July 29, 1861, died Oct. 28, 1872; Frank D., born Sept. 22, 1865; Flora, born Oct. 24, 1870; and Hattie M., born Feb. 3, 1872, died Oct. 28, 1872.  Mr. FULLER is a farmer and has been justice of the peace eight years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 515

 

Surnames:  GARDNER, MORTON, CROSSFIELD

 

George GARDNER, son of George and Huldah GARDNER, was born in Lunenburgh, Mass., and came to Conewango in 1830, where he died in 1854.  He married Rebecca MORTON, a native of Massachusetts, and their children were George, Harry, Morton, Daniel W., Stephen, Huldah, Aurilla, and Christianna.  George, Jr., was born in Woodstock, Vt., Jan. 7, 1812, and Dec. 14, 1842, married Lorena CROSSFIELD.  Their children are Emma, born Sept. 18, 1845; Frank, born May 12, 1847; John, born Jan. 22, 1849; George D., born Oct. 6, 1856; and Dr. Will F. (see page 121).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 515 & 516

 

Surnames:  GARDNER, WHITE, CROSSFIELD, COOPER

 

Daniel W. GARDNER, a son of George and a native of Woodstock, Vt., came to this town with his father in 1830 and died Oct. 31, 1861.  He served as constable and collector for sixteen consecutive years and was deputy sheriff under George WHITE.  He married Laura CROSSFIELD, who was born in 1816 and died in 1872.  Their children were Christiana D., Betsey M., Edwin S., Julia A., Marcus M., Edna R., Martha F., and Dana W.  Marcus M. GARDNER was born April 13, 1847, and married, Jan. 1, 1868, Emma J., daughter of Silas COOPER.  Their children are Mary G., Martha A., Maud L., Daniel D., and Bessie E.  Mr. GARDNER conducts the Conewango cheese factory.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 516

Surnames:  GROVER, WYLLYS, MILLIMAN, STEBBINS, STEWART

 

Daniel GROVER, a native of Connecticut, came at an early day to Conewango and died here at a good old age, as did also his wife.  Of his four children Lewis was born in this town and died here in 1862.  He married Abigail, daughter of Rufus WYLLYS, and their children were Elijah, Mason, Alvin, Alonzo, Mary, De Heart, Deloss, William, Elisha, Sophia, and Gustavus.  The latter was born February 23, 1841.  October 7, 1861, he married Hannah E MILLIMAN, who has borne him three children, Frank, Jennie J., and Charles M.  Mr. GROVER enlisted Oct 7, 1861, in Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols.  participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Williamsburg, Second Bull Run, and Portsmouth, being wounded at the latter engagement, and was discharged May 5, 1863.  Deloss GROVER enlisted in the same company and regiment and died in 1872.  William GROVER served in a regiment of New York heavy artillery.  Frank GROVER, son of Gustavus, married Ida, daughter of Gordon and Abigail STEBBINS.  Jennie GROVER married Joseph C. STEWART, Jan. 24, 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 516

 

Surnames:  HALL, ARNOLD, ELLWORTH, FRANKLIN, BLANCHARD, FLENTJE, DAY

 

Joseph K. HALL was an early settler of Leon.  Both he and his wife, Nancy ARNOLD, died there.  Their children were Nancy C., Joseph, Abner, Elvira, Frederick, Chauncey C., Harvey, Charles, and Harrison.  Chauncey C. HALL, born April 7, 1818, came to Leon in 1847, and June 24, 1856, married Eliza, daughter of Benjamin ELLSWORTH, of Conewango, their children being Jennie C., Ralph N., Henry E., Kate F., Stiles C., and Frank H.  Mr. HALL was a carpenter by trade.  His second wife was Sarah FRANKLIN, by whom he had children Anice, Maud E., and Warren A.  Anice married Washington BLANCHARD, of Leon, and has two children.  Maud E. (Mrs. Herman FLENTJE) lives in Winona, Minn.  Mrs. Eliza (ELLSWORTH) HALL survives her husband, residing in Conewango village.  Her father, Benjamin ELLSWORTH, served in the War of 1812, came to Chautauqua County from Connecticut on foot, and removed in 1839 to Conewango.  He donated for the purpose the land where the Presbyterian Church now stands, and both he and his wife, Calista DAY, were instrumental in the organization of the society and the erection of the edifice.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 516

 

Surnames:  HALL, HOLLISTER

 

Rev. Edwin HALL, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Conewango, was born in Middlebury, Vt., Aug. 1, 1829.  The most of his early life was spent in Norwalk, Conn., where his father, Rev. Edwin HALL, D.D., was pastor of the First Congregational church from 1832 to 1855.  Thence his father removed to Auburn, N. Y., where he was professor of theology in the Theological Seminary from 1855 to 1876.  He died at Auburn in 1877.  His mother, Fanny (HOLLISTER), died in 1885.  Mr. HALL came to Conewango in Jan. 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 516

 

Surnames:  HAMMOND, TALBOT

 

Joseph HAMMOND was born in Rhode Island in 1767, removed to Chenango county in 1800, and came to this town in 1830, where he died in 1848, and where his wife, Anna TALBOT, died in 1836.  They reared several children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 516 & 517

 

Surnames:  HARRIS, WHITMORE, FISHER, CLARK, HARRIS

 

William HARRIS, son of Jonathan, was born in Elba, N. Y., in 1803, and removed in 1864 to this town, where he died.  His wife was Marilla WHITMORE, who bore him these children: Sumner, Eliza, Lyman F., Levi, George, and Samantha, of whom Lyman F. HARRIS, born July 18, 1832, married, Aug. 26, 1856, Matilda FISHER, and their children are Mary and Burdette (killed Dec. 20, 1886).  Mary married Melvin, son of Warren and Jane (CLARK) HARRIS, of Napoli, Jan. 18, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 517

 

Surnames:  HILL, KENNICUTT, HUBBELL

 

Levi HILL early cleared a farm in New Albion, where he died in 1862.  His children were Gardner, Jerome, Emma, and Alexander.  Gardner HILL died in New Albion, March 1, 1854.  By his wife Matilda, daughter of John A. and Sophronia KENNICUTT, he had these children: Leroy, Lucius D., Ellen, and Gardner.  Lucius D. HILL was born March 5, 1849, and married, Dec. 30, 1870, Alma M. HUBBELL, of Leon, who has borne him children as follows: Rolland S., born Oct, 21, 1871; Eva, born Feb. 1, 1873, died June 30, 1883; Emma M., born Nov. 22, 1877; Ray C., born Oct. 19, 1879; and Addie H., born Aug. 13, 1883.  Mr. HILL has served as justice of the peace, notary public, and town clerk, and is a general merchant.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 517

 

Surnames:  HILLS, WATKINS, WINSHIP

 

Calvin HILLS was born in New England, Sept. 16, 1799, came to Conewango in 1832, and ran the first carding-mill and cloth-dressing establishment in the town.  He cleared a farm on which he died Oct. 9, 1889.  His wife was Mary F., daughter of Lyman and Abigail WATKINS, and their children were Emily, Edwin F., Charles S., Mary F. (Mrs. W. H. WINSHIP), William G., and Ellen C.  The three sons served in the Rebellion and were honorably discharged.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 517

 

Surnames:  HOLLISTER, HOLDEN, FOSTER, MORGAN

 

William HOLLISTER, son of William, was born in Weathersfield, Conn., Jan. 15, 1763, married Rachel HOLDEN, removed to Granville, N. Y., where he erected a tannery, and in 1833 came to Conewango, where he died.  His children were Ann, Sarah, Emma, Melissa, and William.  The latter was born Aug. 31, 1792, came to Conewango in 1831, and built and for many years conducted the first tannery in the town.  He married Laura FOSTER and their children were William H., Edward, Norman, and James H.  James H. HOLLISTER, born Dec. 10, 1824, married, Dec. 10, 1846, Cornelia L. MORGAN, by whom he has children as follows: Mary L., Emma M., Edward M., James T., and Fanny C.  Mr. HOLLISTER has been prominent in town affairs and resides on the homestead.  William H. HOLLISTER was born in Granville, December 16, 1815, and died at Conewango on March 8, 1893.  He was a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church, for twenty-four years its ruling elder, and for thirty years superintendent of the Sunday school.  A man of great activity he was an indefatigable worker and lived a life worthy of imitation.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 517

 

Surname:  HOPKINS

 

Jacob I. HOPKINS came to Conewango as a farmer and died in 1878.  His father was for many years a sea captain and finally died in Cooperstown.  A son of Jacob I. is a blacksmith in this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 517 & 518

 

Surnames:  HUNTINGTON, METCALF, SPRAGUE, KEENE, TUTTLE, GORDON

 

John HUNTINGTON, born in Vermont, Aug. 20, 1775, was a soldier in the War of 1812, was a ship-carpenter by trade, and came to Conewango in 1824, dying here March 24, 1858.  His wife, Betsey METCALF, was born May 5, 1780, and died April 20, 1862.  Their children were Arnold, born June 28, 1801; Charles, Nov. 4, 1802; Amos, April 7, 1804; George, Oct. 10, 1805; Hiram, April 25, 1808; Trumbull, March 14, 1810; David, June 27, 1812; Emily, Sept. 2, 1814; Nancy, June 14, 1816; Mary, May 9, 1819; Henry, May 14, 1820; Almeda, Aug. 11, 1823; and Horace, 1826.  Horace HUNTINGTON married, May 12, 1849, Samantha C., daughter of Asa R. and Emily (SPRAGUE) KEENE.  Their children are Mary, Charles M., Frank D., and Almeda.  Charles M. HUNTINGTON was born Feb. 14, 1864.  Frank D., born April 4, 1867, died April 3, 1870.  Almeda, born June 1, 1869, died May 8, 1882.  Mary, born March 25, 1859, married Charles L. TUTTLE, and has one son, Clair, born March 8, 1892.  David HUNTINGTON married, Jan. 21, 1839, Adaline GORDON, of Rushford, N. Y., and died in Conewango, Aug. 24, 1886.  Their children were Loraine E., Mary J., Charles D., Ellen L., and Ina G.  Mr. HUNTINGTON was town supervisor in 1872.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 518

 

Surnames:  KAISER, SAUNDERS, CARR

 

George KAISER, son of Hartman, Jr., and a native of Germany, being born there May 20, 1829, came to Conewango in 1840, married Alzina SAUNDERS, of this town, and has had born to him two children: Jennie A. (Mrs. Adello CARR) and Nellie E. C.  Mr. KAISER is a farmer on the SAUNDERS farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 518

 

Surnames:  KINNEY, GALLOP, SPICER, COWAN

 

Alfred A. KINNEY, son of John and Lucy (GALLOP) KINNEY, was born in Connecticut, March 23, 1808.  He settled in Conewango in May 1832, and cleared the farm where he died Oct. 14, 1882.  His wife,, Athelia SPICER, bore him these children: Lucy E., Eunice E., Matilda, Sarah J., Sally Ann, Olivia A., Christiana, and Alfred, and died June 4, 1882, aged eighty-one.  Alfred KINNEY was born Oct. 4, 1836, and married, April 17, 1877, Flora B., daughter of Elisha and Mary J. COWEN.  He is a farmer on the KINNEY homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 518

 

Surnames:  KESSLER, DOLE

 

Daniel KESSLER came to Conewango in 1859.  He was born in Saxony.Germany, December 14, 1841, a son of George and Caroline KESSLER, and married, April 18, 1873, Mary B., daughter of Alonzo and Jane DOLE.  Their children are Carrie J., Maud E., Alonzo, and Lida E.  Mr. KESSLER cleared the farm on which he resides.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 518

 

Surnames:  KNAPP, WEAVER, JENKS

 

Mrs. Cynthia A. KNAPP. – Christopher WEAVER, a native of Rhode Island, was killed by an accident.  His son William, born in Rhode Island, Feb. 22, 1801, came to Otsego county and thence to Cherry Creek, N. Y., where he died in 1880.  His children were Betsey A., Cynthia A., Electa, Oscar, Abner W., Laura, and Mary W.  Cynthia A. WEAVER was born July 20, 1820, married, April 13, 1840, Bucklin JENKS, and had born to her two children, William L. and Leafy A., both deceased.  Her second husband was lra, son of Elijah KNAPP, who died September 9, 1891.  Mrs. KNAPP survives him and resides in Conewango village.  Mr. JENKS held several town offices.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 518

 

Surnames:  LAMPER, BROWN, YOUNG, PRITCHARD, FARNSWORTH

 

James LAMPER, son of James and Sarah (BROWN) LAMPER and grandson of Benjamin, was born in New Hampshire, April 23, 1798, and came to Randolph in the fall of 1829.  James LAMPER was for thirty years a sea captain.  Two brothers, Benjamin and Asa, served seven years in the Revolutionary war and participated at the battle of Bunker Hill.  James LAMPER, Jr., removed to Conewango in the spring of 1830, and cleared the farm on which he died Feb. 5, 1848.  His wife, Mary YOUNG, who died Sept. 25, 1865, bore him these children: Alexander, Susan M., Sarah, William, Delia, Mary, Julia, and Alonzo S.  Alonzo S. LAMPER, born June 1, 1826, married Huldah PRITCHARD, by whom he had five children – Acta M., Myron C., Susie B., Charles C., and James J.  Mr. LAMPER was for six years county superintendent of the poor, thirteen years local assessor, and since 1887 town overseer of the poor.  Alexander LAMPER married Sylvia FARNSWORTH, of Dayton, had one son, Edward A., who was born in Conewango, and now resides in Minnesota.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 518

 

Surnames:  LEACH, GOODIER, SEEKINS

 

Joseph LEACH was born in Herkimer county and came to Ellington, Chautauqua county, where he cleared a farm and died in 1844.  His wife was Betsey GOODIER and his children were Aaron, Alma, and Joseph G.  Joseph G. LEACH was born Dec. 9, 1828, and married, June 27, 1856, Angeline, daughter of Amos LEACH, by whom he had two children, Aaron (deceased) and Alice, who married Manley A. SEEKINS, March 4, 1878, and has four children – Marian, Myra A., J. Ray, and Guy M.  Joseph G. built in 1882 the steam saw-mill in Conewango which he now owns.  He is also a farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 518 & 519

 

Surnames:  LIMBOCKER, STEPHENS, EDWARDS

 

Uriah LIMBOCKER was for many years a Wesleyan Methodist minister.  Born in Conesus, N. Y., he came to Leon and removed finally to Michigan, where he died June 20, 1883.  His son Gardner was born in Conesus, April 20, 1828, came to Leon with his parents, and subsequently removed to Conewango, where he died in 1853.  He married Harriet STEPHENS, of this town, who bore him one son, Gardner A., July 29, 1853.  Mrs. LIMBOCKER survives her husband and resides with her only son.  Gardner A. LIMBOCKER married Mattie EDWARDS, Feb. 8, 1870, and their children are George R. and Lloyd L.  He is a farmer on the STEPHENS farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 519

 

Surnames:  LOOP, WINTER, COWEN

 

David LOOP was born and died in Columbia county.  He participated in the War of 1812.  His son David, born in Dover, N. Y., in 1810, came to Conewango in 1840, cleared three farms, and for many years operated the HOLDRIDGE mills at East Randolph.  He died in 1880.  He married Mary WINTER, who died March 29, 1890.  Their children were Moses W., Charlotte, Mary, Edward, Thomas, and David.  David LOOP, Jr., born May 8, 1850, married, July 4, 1873, Sally A., daughter of John and Rachel COWEN, and their children are Claude A., Josephine, and Mary R.  He owns and occupies the homestead farm, and under the firm name of SNOW & LOOP conducts a saw-mill in the southeast part of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 519

 

Surnames:  MASON, PERRY, WATKINS, HILLS

 

Charles MASON, son of William, Jr., and Mary (PERRY) MASON, both natives of England, was born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1800, came to Conewango in 1830, and was killed by an accident in 1851.  His son Daniel B. P., born Feb. 27, 1844, married, Nov. 26, 1879, Ellen C., daughter of Calvin and Mary (WATKINS) HILLS, and they have one child, Flora E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 519

 

Surnames:  MASON, SEAGER, COWEN

 

George J. MASON, son of Charles and Ann MASON, married Josephine W., daughter of John and Rachel (SEAGER) COWEN, of Conewango, and their children are Amy L., Jessie, Mattie, and Mabel.  Mr. MASON enlisted in 1862 in Co. K, 154th N. Y. Vols., and served until the war closed, participating in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Mission Ridge, and in Sherman's march to the sea.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 519

 

Surnames:  McELWAINE, FISH, MILKS, POOL

 

Timothy McELWAIN, son of Roger and a native of Massachusetts, removed to Erie County in 1818 and to this town in 1843, dying here in 1877.  His wife was Mariah FISH, who died here the same year.  Their children were Reuben, Samuel, Clarinda, Benjamin, and Heman.  Reuben McELWAIN, born April 1, 1824, married Mary G. CHAMPLAIN, who bore him these children: William H., John A., Clara W., Grant, and Earl.  William McELWAIN married Anna L. MILKS and has seven children: Robert L., Mary A., Albert D., Bennie C., Jessie E., Hattie, and Hettie.  Clara W. McELWAIN married Alanson A. POOL and died Oct. 21, 1890, leaving two children, Bessie E. and Claude.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 519

 

Surnames:  METCALF, WALDRON, FOX, SMITH

 

The METCALF family. – John WALDRON, a German by birth, was born in Auburn, N. Y., in 1827, and is now a resident of Arkansas. His wife was Elmir FOX, who died in 1886, and of their children Ida married William METCALF, Nov. 7, 1881, who died January 19, 1882. He was a son of Henry and Julietta (SMITH) METCALF. Their children were Coila E. and Raymond D. Mrs. METCALF resides on the FOX farm, which was cleared by George FOX.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 519

 

Surnames:  METCALF, CHAMPLAIN, MOORE

 

Jotham H. METCALF. – Asa CHAMPLAIN, a native of Stonington, R. I., where he died, had five children, of whom Robert came to New Albion, where he died in 1850.  His wife was Polly MOORE and his children were William M., Hannah, Lydia, Robert, Sarah, Jessie, George, Dudley, and Armenia.  The latter was born Jan. 21, 1821, married Jotham H. METCALF, Jan. 9, 1840, and resides on the homestead.  Their children were Leroy C., Harriet, Eveline, Arvilla, and Mary.  Mr. METCALF died in 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 520

 

Surnames:  MERCHANT, STANNARD, WOOD, DELAND, JOHNSON

 

Amos MERCHANT was born in Cazenovia, N. Y., and came to Napoli, where he died in 1881, aged eighty-four.  His wife, Almira STANNARD, died in Napoli at the age of sixty-five.  Their children were Warren W., Truman, Reuben, Chester, Miranda, Alzina, and Betsey.  Warren W. MERCHANT was born in Napoli in 1827 and came to Conewango in 1849.  He is a farmer.  He married Mehitable, daughter of Thomas and Deborah WOOD, who died in 1863.  Their children were Charles T., born May 14, 1844; Lafayette, born in August 1848; Ella D., born Aug. 10, 1852; Austin, born in 1856; and Adelbert, born in 1861.  Charles T. MERCHANT married Ella D. DELAND, by whom he has one daughter, Hattie A.  The latter married John JOHNSON and has two children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 520

 

Surnames:  MOREY, FORWARD, TEN EYCK, TRAVIS

 

Samuel MOREY, a Revolutionary soldier, was an early settler of Otto and died there in 1874.  His wife, Electa FORWARD, who died in Otto in 1876, bore him these children: Stillman, Phebe, Sarah, Samuel, Clarissa, and George.  Stillman MOREY was born Nov. 17,1817, moved to Mansfield in 1856, and thence to Oregon in 1888.  His son Levi E., now a resident of Conewango, was born in Sacket's Harbor, N. Y., May 7, 1847, married, Sept. 16, 1866, Nellie, daughter of John and Annie M. (TEN EYCK) TRAVIS, of Mansfield, and has children as follows: Effie A., Etta L., and Ladore E.  Levi E. MOREY enlisted at the age of seventeen in Co. K, 9th N. Y. Cav., and served to the close of the war, participating in nineteen engagements.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 520

 

Surnames:  OTIS, BACOCK, WALKER, HEATH

 

Justin OTIS came to this town in 1860 and died in East Randolph on Nov. 22, 1882.  Born in Colchester, Conn., March 23, 1798, he married Minerva BABCOCK, and has had these children: George, Norman G., Patty, Harrison G., and Mary A.  Norman G. OTIS, born in Perry, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1849, married Eliza C. WALKER, who bore him one daughter, Lucy, and died Jan. 30, 1854.  His second marriage was with Louisa HEATH, by whom he has children as follows: Bennie C. (deceased), Norman E., George H, and Mettie.  Mr. OTIS was census enumerator for the town in 1880.  He is now a farmer and a retired merchant and miller.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 520

 

Surnames:  PHILLIPS, McINTYRE, HITCHCOCK, TORRENCE, MASON, MARVIN, HALL

 

Isaac PHILLIPS was born in Brookfield, Madison county, and came to Villenova, N. Y., where he died in 1872.  His wife, Diantha McINTYRE, who died Feb. 9, 1864, bore him twelve children, of whom William P. was born in Brookfield, Oct. 12, 1814, removed to Chautauqua county in 1835, cleared several farms, came to Conewango in April, 1869, and died here April 14, 1884.  He married, July 28, 1844, Lorinda, daughter of Timothy and Zurvina (HITCHCOCK) TORRENCE, of Randolph.  She was born Nov. 20, 1824.  Their children were Mandana M., born Nov. 8, 1845, died in infancy; Adelaide, born June 21, 1848; Marvin W., born July 12, 1851; Oliver H., born Sept. 1, 1853; Charles, born Feb. 13, 1856; Moses, born Oct. 13, 1859, died Feb. 7, 1864; Lee S., born May 29, 1862; and Nellie E., born April 14, 1864.  Mr. PHILLIPS was an industrious man and a highly respected citizen.  Adelaide PHILLIPS married Charles J. MASON and their children are Mertie J., Alta L., Annie M. and Lynn P.  Marvin W. PHILLIPS married Jennie C. HALL and has had two children: Claude (deceased) and Ethel.  Oliver H. PHILLIPS married Ettie WATKINS, of East Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 520

 

Surname:  POPE

 

Elnathan POPE came to Conewango in 1828 and died in Wisconsin in 1865.  His father, Nathaniel, was a Revolutionary soldier.  He cleared what is known as the POPE farm, and before moving west left several descendants.  It was in honor of this family that the POPE postoffice was named.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 520 & 521

 

Surnames:  PRITCHARD, CHAPMAN

 

Jeremiah PRITCHARD was a son of John, who served in the Revolution and died in Madison county, N. Y.  Jeremiah located in Conewango in 1847, cleared three farms, and died in 1874.  His daughter Mary E. married Welcome CHAPMAN, who settled in Leon at an early age, moved thence to Conewango, and died Nov. 29, 1892.  For twenty years Mr. CHAPMAN was a member of the Presbyterian Church and during his whole life was a farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

 

Surnames:  PROSSER, SEAGER, McKEEVER

 

Potter A. PROSSER, twin brother of Amos P., born in Livonia, N. Y., came to Conewango among the early settlers, cleared a farm, and died in 1890.  His wife, Eliza, bore him six children, of whom Andrew R., a native of Livonia, came to this town with his parents, and finally removed to Cold Spring, where he now resides.  His wife, Caroline SEAGER, died in 1887.  Their children were Charlotte A. Micah, Aurora, and Anson S.  Anson S. PROSSER was born in Conewango, Sept. 13, 1849, married, April 12, 1885, Susan McKEEVER, of Cold Spring, and has two children: Andrew C., born April 29, 1888, and May, born Oct 31, 1891.  Mr. PROSSER is a farmer on the John Benson farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

 

Surnames:  RICE, HENDERSON

 

Chester RICE became a resident of Conewango in 1835 and died here on the farm, which he cleared in 1862.  His wife, Dorothy HENDERSON, died in 1882.  Both were hard workers and reared a family of sturdy children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

Surnames:  ROBINSON, SLADE, BENSON

 

Elijah ROBINSON, son of Ex-Governor ROBINSON, was born in Bennington, Vt., married Experience SLADE, had three children, and died there, aged twenty-eight.  His son Elijah, who was born in Bennington, Jan. 20, 1812, came to Conewango in 1846, cleared a farm, kept hotel, and died May 27, 1886.  He married Mary D. BENSON, who was the mother of his children:  Francis E., C. Janette, Edwin E., John C., Robert E., Mary S., and F. Eugene.  John I. BENSON, father of Mrs. Mary D. ROBINSON, served in the War of 1812, came to Conewango in 1847, and died Jan. 13, 1889.  His wife Alice, a native of Washington county, died in this town in 1887.  Mrs. ROBINSON still survives.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

 

Surnames:  ROSS, ELLSWORTH, CONGDON

 

Reuben ROSS was a soldier in the War of 1812, a pensioner, and died at Arkwright, Chautauqua county, after living in Conewango twenty years.  Of his children Zenas, Wilber, and Edwin, Wilber was born in Leon, April 11, 1830, married Frances A., daughter of Benjamin and Calista ELLSWORTH, of Rutledge, and has had nine children:  Ida, Benjamin E., Willard, Micah, Eva E., Harriet C., Willie, Herbert, and Susan.  Benjamin E. ROSS married Kate CONGDON, of Napoli, has one, son, Leo C., and is a farmer with his father.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

 

Surname:  SAUNDERS

 

Charles SAUNDERS, son of Hezekiah, came to Conewango about 1830, cleared a farm, and died here in 1876.  One of his sons has been a merchant in Clear Creek for twenty-five years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

 

Surnames:  SCHULZ, FELTSNER, WORDEN

 

Sabastian SCHULZ, born in Solson, Germany, in 1817, came to Conewango in 1851.  He married Amelia FELTSNER and their children are Ann, Eliza, Frank, Charles, Frederick, and Ada.  Frank SCHULZ was born June 3, 1854.  Dec. 25, 1877, he married Ida L. WORDEN, of Randolph, and has three children: Iva I., Goldie, and Floyd F.  Mr. SCHULZ is a farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 521

 

Surname:  SCOTT

 

William SCOTT was born in Franklinville and moved to Versailles, where he was killed by a stone falling from a-bridge he was building.  His father was a, native of Germany.  One of his sons has resided in Conewango forty years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 521 & 522

 

Surnames:  SEAGER, GRAHAM, HARMON, HILDUM

 

Anson G. SEAGER, son of Micah, Jr., and Lois (GRAHAM) SEAGER, was born in 1805.  The family were early settlers in Phelps, Ontario County, coming there from Connecticut, where Anson G. was born.  In 1833 he removed to this town and cleared the farm he still occupies.  He has held several town offices, among them being that of justice of the peace for sixteen years.  His wife was Aurora HARMON, who died April 4, 1891.  Their children were Caroline, Charlotte, Delia, William M., and Micah.  William M. SEAGER, born March 22, 1835, married Martha E. HILDUM, who is the mother of his children Charles H., Edwin W., and Fred L.  Edwin Brennan, an adopted son of Anson G. SEAGER, was born in Randolph, July 28, 1842, served in the Civil war as a lieutenant of artillery, and for twelve years has been a customs officer in New York city.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 522

 

Surnames:  SMITH, EDWARDS, ROWE, MAYO, OSBORNE, KNAPP, LINDSLEY, ROBERTS, BUSHNELL, BIGELOW

 

Isaac SMITH, son of Isaac, was born Nov. 1, 1791, in Milford, Conn.  He came to this State in the spring of 1814, married Elizabeth, daughter of Alanson and Elizabeth EDWARDS, of Skaneateles, NY, April 1, 1817, and in 1827 removed to Napoli, then little more than a wilderness.  They built a log house and commenced farming, where they remained until 1865, when they moved to Conewango to live with their son Thaddeus.  Elizabeth SMITH died April 9, 1866, at the age of sixty-nine years; Isaac SMITH died Feb. 20, 1883.  They were members of the Presbyterian Church.  The eldest son, Edward SMITH, was born Dec. 30, 1817, and married, April 4, 1847, Eveline ROWE; James Henry SMITH, born April 18, 1819, married Sarah MAYO, June 10, 1844; William Clark SMITH, born April 16, 1821, married Mary Ann OSBORNE, Aug. 28, 1853; a son born April 30, 1823, died same day; Elizabeth SMITH, born Aug. 9, 1824, married Stephen C. KNAPP, June 15, 1846; Ann SMITH, born Feb. 27, 1828, married Harvey LINDSLEY; Melissa Edwards SMITH, born Aug. 20, 1830, married Albert ROBERTS, Oct. 14, 1850; Cynthia SMITH, born Aug. 21, 1832, married Elias BUSHNELL; and Thaddeus C. SMITH, born Aug. 15, 1836, married Mary J. BIGELOW, Nov. 29, 1864, and has had two children – Frank Clayton SMITH, born Sept. 8, 1865, died Sept. 15, 1889, and Ralph Bigelow SMITH, born March 15, 1868.  Edward SMITH is a prominent school teacher in Syracuse, NY., having been superintendent of the city schools twenty-three years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 522

 

Surnames:  SNOW, HOVEY, HUESTON, BENEDICT

 

Nathan SNOW, a native of Connecticut, came to Conewango in 1828.  Serving as a captain in the War of 1812 he was at the burning of Buffalo in 1814, and after his settlement here died upon the farm which he cleared.  His wife, Laura HOVEY, also died here, after bearing him these children: William D., Sewell H., Chauncey A., Orey, Edward, Melvin, Alvira, and Lucelia.  Melvin SNOW owns and occupies the homestead.  He was born March 8, 1831.  July 1, 1857, he married Mariah HUESTON, by whom he has had two children: Ella G. and Clarence A.  Ella G. married Hiram BENEDICT, of East Randolph, in 1881, and has one son, Leo.  Orey SNOW served in the late war.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 522

 

Surnames:  SPEAR, CLARK, ROSS, BARTON

 

David Clark SPEAR, son of David and Mary (CLARK) SPEAR, was born in Hartford, Conn., March 9, 1802, came to Ellington, Chautauqua county, among the early settlers, cleared a farm, and finally removed to Iowa.  His son William D., born April 25, 1827, married, Nov. 17, 1850, Edna M., daughter of Grosvenor and Charlotte (ROSS) BARTON, of Conewango (see also Leon), and has had born to him these children: Charlotte, William G., and Karl E.  Mr. SPEAR is a farmer and manufacturer of grain cradles in Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 522

 

Surnames:  STEVES, JONES, STANLEY, FISHER

 

John STEVES was a farmer in Leon for many years.  He was born in Onondaga county in 1818 and married Rachel JONES, who died in 1889.  Their children were George G., Francis M., Jeremiah, Fred E., Allen M., Marshall, Charles, Clara, Alice, Estella F., Rose M., Ruth, Elmer, and John H.  The latter was born Aug. 14, 1853, married, July 4, 1877.  Mary A., daughter of Vilando and Betsey (STANLEY) FISHER, of Conewango, and is now a farmer on the FISHER farm.  Joseph STANLEY was an early settler in Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Pages 522 & 523

 

Surname:  THACHER

 

Cyrus THACHER came to Conewango in 1823 and was the first merchant in Clear Creek, of which place be was postmaster, holding the position there and at Seeleysburg and Conewango in all twenty-seven years.  Born in Vermont in 1802 he died here August 3, 1892.  He was a very active man and up to the date of his death possessed a remarkably attentive memory.  His son Charles C. is now postmaster and a general merchant at Conewango village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 523

 

Surnames:  TOWERS, SEAGER, SLYKER

 

Lucas TOWERS, a native of Schaghticoke, N. Y., died in Conewango in 1853.  His wife Rachel bore him these children: Jared, Mary, and John.  The latter was born in Syracuse and died here aged 44 years.  He married Clarinda SEAGER, who died in 1891.  Their children were Jane, Mary, Rachel, Clarissa, Levi, and John H.  John H. TOWERS was born Dec. 8, 1832, and married, Dec. 25, 1859, Mary SLYKER.  Their children are Cora, Lena, Ida, Ada, John, Daniel, and Grace.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 523

 

Surnames:  WATSON, WILCOX, WOODMANSEE, ELLSWORTH, HALL

 

John A. WATSON, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (WILCOX) WATSON, early settlers in Ellington, Chautauqua county, was born in Rensselaer county, Oct. 29, 1831, came to Conewango from Ellington in 1879, and is now a wood mechanic and farmer residing in Rutledge.  He married, Oct. 13, 1856, Fidelia WOODMANSEE, by whom he has had children as follows: John S., Daniel, Permelia, and Mattie M.  Daniel WATSON married Kate F., daughter of Chauncey and Eliza (ELLSWORTH) HALL.  They conduct a millinery store in Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 523

 

Surnames:  WATTENPAUGH, RICHMOND, BROWN

 

Andrew WATTENPAUGH, a native of Germany, was a soldier in the Revolution, and died in Troy, N. Y.  His son John married Amorilla RICHMOND, who died in Dayton in 1848.  Their children were Emeline, George, Louisa, William, Filena, Cordelia, Andrew, and Merrick.  Merrick WATTENPAUGH, born May 28, 1816, married, Jan. 13, 1854, Margaret J. BROWN, and has six children: Janette, Sarah J., George, Frank J., Emogene, and Ann M.  Born in 1816 he is doubtless the second oldest living native of the county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 523

 

Surname:  WILEY

 

Daniel T. WILEY settled in New Albion in 1865 and died in Conewango in 1890.  He was a son of John WILEY and was born near Gloversville in 1813.  His son James F., a farmer in town, has taught over thirty terms of school.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 523

 

Surnames:  WINSHIP, LATHROP, WATKINS, HILLS

 

William H. WINSHIP, son of Isaac and Augusta (LATHROP) WINSHIP, was born Nov. 1, 1936, came to Conewango in 1856, and Oct. 17, 1857, married Mary F., daughter of Calvin and Mary F. (WATKINS) HILLS, and they have one son, Charles H., of Fremont, Neb.  The children of Isaac and Augusta WINSHIP were Rossa R., William H., and Albert E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Conewango – Chapter XXII (22)

Page 523

 

Surnames:  WYLLYS, McHURON, DANA

 

Mara WYLLYS, who was born in Chesterfield, Mass., came to Conewango in 1820, cleared a farm, and eventually removed to Ohio, where he died.  His wife, Maria McHURON, bore him children as follows: Rufus, Silance, Miriam, Lyman, Elijah, and Maria.  Rufus WYLLYS was born in Massachusetts in 1780, came to this town with his father in 1820, and died here in 1871.  He married Freedom DANA and his children were Abigail, Lucretia, Rufus, Russell, John, Wealthy, Silance, and Elijah.  Silance WYLLYS occupies the homestead.

 

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TOWN OF DAYTON

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 533

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, BENEDICT, SHAW

 

Asahel ALLEN, son of Peter, a native of Connecticut, was born in Fabius, Onondaga county, Nov. 5, 1802, and came to Dayton in 1818, cleared a farm where that village now stands, and erected the first dwelling house on the site, buying the land of the Holland Land Company at $3 per acre.  He finally moved to Cottage, where he died Jan. 21, 1858.  His wife, Sally A., daughter of Jonathan BENEDICT, of Onondaga county, died Oct. 22, 1847.  Their children were Jonathan B., Peter R., Harlow, Lucy M., Laura J., Eliza L., Mary C., James M., George M., and Ellen M.  By his second wife, Julia A., daughter of Timothy M. SHAW, he had three children:  Annette, Newton, and Julia A.

 

Peter R. ALLEN married Betsey, daughter of Daniel and Lydia (EDDIE) JOHNSON, and died July 29, 1880.  He was a farmer and wood mechanic.  Their only son, Daniel E., was born Aug. 25, 1862, and is postmaster of Dayton.  Mrs. ALLEN is still living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 533

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, REDFIELD, SHAW, WRIGHT, BRAND

 

Jonathan B. ALLEN was born Aug. 10, 1824, and married, Nov. 8, 1849, Fanny M., daughter of Timothy M. and Amanda (REDFIELD) SHAW.  Their children are Ellen (Mrs. A. C. WRIGHT), Laura (Mrs. David BRAND), and Cora L., who died Sept. 2, 1877.  Mr. ALLEN is a farmer and has been justice of the peace fourteen years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 533

 

Surname: ALLEN

 

Luther ALLEN also came to Dayton in 1818 and became prominent in town affairs.  He arrived before he had attained his majority, and soon returned to Onondaga county for his wife, whom he brought to his rude home on an oxsled.  His was the first frame house erected in Dayton village, in 1834.  Mr. ALLEN finally removed to Gowanda, where he died in Feb., 1847.  He was supervisor of Dayton in 1837, 1838, and 1844.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 533

 

Surnames:  AUSTIN, HOOKER

 

Hiram AUSTIN, son of Samuel, came to Dayton in 1826, cleared a farm, and died here Nov. 16, 1875.  He was twice married and had three children, of whom Hiram C., born Jan. 26, 1825, married Jane HOOKER, has five children, and is a farmer on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 533

 

Surnames:  BABCOCK, BARBER, SMITH, BUTTON, CHASE

 

Christopher BABCOCK was a native of Rhode Island and served in the Revolutionary war.  Asa, his son, born in Westerly, R. I., Oct. 9, 1777, died in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1840; he married Mary BABCOCK and, second, Elizabeth BARBER, both of whom were born in Westerly.  His children were Caroline, Thomas, George W., Amy, Mary, Asa C., Elizabeth, and Christopher J.  Christopher J. was born in Smyrna, Dec. 14, 1814, and married, Nov. 11, 1838, Rebecca A., daughter of Silas and Jerusha SMITH, and their children were Amy., 2d, and William A., both of whom were born in Truxton, N. Y.  Mr. BABCOCK married, second, Harriet BUTTON, and their children are Julius C. (deceased), Wesley J., Willis A., Frank P., and Herman T.  He was formerly a Shipbuilder, but is now a retired resident of South Dayton.  He married, third, Mrs. Sarah A. CHASE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 533 & 534

 

Surnames:  BACON, PARK, RICH, DEAN

 

Norman BACON was a son of Penuel and was born in Onondaga county.  He came to Dayton at an early day and died May 9, 1849, on the farm which he cleared.  His wife, Lucy Ann PARK, died here in 1872.  Their son Elisha H. was born in town Sept. 15, 1846, married, in 1868, a daughter of Zalmon RICH and afterward a daughter of Walter DEAN, and has six children.  He is a farmer.  His brother Ezek P. served in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., and died in Andersonville prison.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 534

 

Surnames:  BADGERO, WEST, JOLLS, PETERSON

 

John W. BADGERO, son of Jacob and Sophia BADGERO, was born in Vermont and came to Dayton while young.  He married Laura A., daughter of Abel and Maria (WEST) JOLLS, by whom he had these children:  Christiana C., Frances M., Ellery G., Laura M., Phoebe E., Ada E., and Iva M., of whom Phoebe E. is a dressmaker and resides with her widowed mother in Dayton, and Laura M. married M. P. PETERSON and lives in Norfolk, Neb.  Mr. BADGERO was a soldier in the late war in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., and died in Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 534

 

Surnames:  BARTLETT, CAMPBELL

 

Dennison BARTLETT came to Dayton while young and died here aged sixty years.  His wife was Alzina CAMPBELL, who bore him five children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 534

 

Surnames:  BATCHELLOR, DOW

 

Abner BATCHELLOR, a native of Massachusetts, came to Dayton as an early settler, married Mary A. DOW, had three children, and died June 19, 1880.  Netta A., who resides on the homestead, is the only survivor of the family in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 534

 

Surnames:  BLAIR, WEBB, SMITH, CURTIS, WALKER, BADGERO

 

Charles W. BLAIR was born at Stockbridge, Oneida county, Feb. 22, 1822, and came to Perrysburg and thence to Dayton at an early day.  His father was William, son of Robert, a native of Massachusetts.  Charles W. BLAIR has served as justice of the peace, highway commissioner, and postmaster at Cottage.  He married Pastorette A., daughter of William D. and Betsey (WEBB) SMITH, and their children are Emmett W., Ada A., and Cora A (deceased).

 

William BLAIR, another son of Robert, was born in Massachusetts in 1785 and came to this town while young, locating at Cottage, where he died Dec. 14, 1862.  His wife, Susan CURTIS, was born Feb. 14, 1793, and died Sept. 3, 1832.  One of their sons, William W., married Mary WALKER, and of their children Charles H. was born in Perrysburg, Sept. 22, 1838, and July 4, 1865, married Christiana C., daughter of John W. BADGERO.  Charles H. BLAIR enlisted in Co. A, 44th N. Y. Vols., was wounded at Gettysburg, and was discharged in 1864.  William W. BLAIR served from 1862 until 1865 in Co. K, 155th N. Y. Vols., and was six months in prison.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 534

 

Surnames:  BLASDELL, ALLEN, SHEPARD, MERRILL

 

Nathaniel BLASDELL was one of Dayton's pioneers and died here aged sixty-two.  Of his seven children David married Lucinda, daughter of Daniel ALLEN, of Persia, and had born to him six children.  His brother Daniel was born in Otto, Jan. 28, 1828, married Elizabeth SHEPARD, of Dayton, and of their children Frank married Mary MERRILL and May became the wife of Marshall MERRILL.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 534

 

Surnames:  BRAND, Howard, LOOMER, SMITH, SHAW, ALLEN

 

David BRAND came to Gowanda and lived many years, removing finally to Dayton and eventually to Iowa, where he died.  Of his children Henry C. was born in Gowanda and died in Dayton in 1872.  He married Sarah HOWARD, who survives him, and their son Henry M., born in Dayton on Feb. 22, 1847, married Eliza M. LOOMER, Feb. 20 1869, who died, and he married, second, Rachel E. SMITH.  Daniel H., another son of Henry C., was born July 6, 1854, and married Kate, daughter of Jonathan and Fanny (SHAW) ALLEN, and is a farmer in the south part of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 534 & 535

 

Surnames:  BROWN, PERHAM, ASHDOWN, WILLIAMS, EASTERLY

 

Ezra BROWN, a native of Vermont, came to Chemung county, where he died at an advanced age.  He served in the War of 1812 and was a farmer.  His son Daniel was born June 15, 1813, and came to Dayton in 1847, locating near Howard's Corners, where he died Aug. 5, 1882.  He married Fanny PERHAM, who survives him, and their children were Ellen, Harriet Janette, Josephine, Julius, and Ellis.  The latter was born Feb. 11, 1856, and Nov. 21, 1875, married Sarah L., daughter of George and Jane (ASHDOWN) WILLIAMS, and their children are Welcome J., Helen M., and Leon W.  He is proprietor of a cheese factory with his brother Julius.  Julius BROWN, born Feb. 24, 1854, married, Dec. 27, 1874, Ida Ann EASTERLY, has one son, Ellsworth, and is a farmer and breeder and dealer in carriage horses and roadsters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 535

 

Surnames:  BUNCE, OLCOTT, PUTNEY, BROWNELL, WHEELER, INGALLS, BADGERO HUBBARD

 

Rory BUNCE was born in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 9, 1758, and died June 27, 1812.  He served in the Revolutionary war.  His wife, Elizabeth OLCOTT, born in Connecticut, Jan. 14, 1763, died in Dayton, July 24, 1843.  His son Simeon was born in Hartford, Conn., June 9, 1789, and died in Dayton, Nov. 26, 1875.  Dec. 28, 1814, he married Esther, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (PUTNEY) BROWNELL; she died Sept. 20, 1870.  Their children were Harriet, Sanford, and Nelson.  Nelson BUNCE, born in Dayton, Nov. 30, 1821, married, Nov. 22, 1843, Katharine WHEELER, who died March 24, 1891.  Their children were Sanford C., Maria S., Francelia, Jay B., Simeon A., and Nellie L.  Mr. BUNCE married, second, Mrs. Mary E. INGALLS.  Jay B. BUNCE married, Aug. 15, 1877, Elva A., daughter of Jacob and Adelaide BADGERO.  Francelia married George HUBBARD, Jan. 18, 1871, and their children were Katie, Lynn P., and Melva M.  She died Jan. 6, 1886.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 535

 

Surnames:  CASTEN, WHEELER, FAIRBANKS, TOWN

 

John CASTEN was born in Dutchess county and came to Collins, Erie county, where he died.  His son James, born in Dutchess county, Sept. 29, 1801, was located in Buffalo as a dealer in live stock for many years and came thence to Collins and from there to Leon, where he died March 3, 1888.  He married Amanda WHEELER (born July 16, 1802), and his children were Ann E., James W., Ira W., Emily A., Mary J., William H., Eunice L., Stephen L., and John G.  John G. CASTEN was born in Buffalo, March 14, 1833, and in 1860 married Martha M., daughter of Samuel and Susan (FAIRBANKS) TOWN, of Leon, who was born March 9, 1841.  Their children are Susie A., James S., Addie M., John F., Ira B., William E., Stephen A., Ella M., and Archie R.  Mr. CASTEN is a farmer in Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 535

 

Surnames:  CATLEN, BENNETT, PECK

 

William CATLIN, born in Massachusetts, moved to Tioga county, Pa., and died in Chenango county, N. Y., aged ninety-seven years.  He was a farmer and a manufacturer of leather and ratan whips.  His wife bore him thirteen children, four of whom served in the Union and one in the Confederate army.  One of his sons, Wells G. CATLIN, was born in Tioga county, Pa., where he married Sarah B. BENNETT, and moved to Persia, where he lived twenty-five years.  His children were Annie S., Helena, Herbert L., Aaron F., George, and Orren.  Orren was born in Charleston, Pa., Aug. 22, 1848, and Aug. 17, 1875, married Melissa A. PECK (born in Persia, Nov. 1, 1851), daughter of Joel and Philena PECK, and their children are Inez, J. Gordon, and Orren.  Mr. CATLIN is a cheesemaker in Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 535

 

Surnames:  COMSTOCK, REMINGTON

 

Abner COMSTOCK, a Canadian by birth, came to Dayton in 1829 and died in 1859.  He had ten children by two marriages, among them being David, who was born in Persia and married a daughter of Ransom REMINGTON, by whom he has had five children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 535 & 536

 

Surnames:  CROWELL, FAULKNER, ROBBINS, SMITH

 

David CROWELL was born at Sherburne, N. Y., and came to Villenova, Chautauqua county, where he died in 1861.  He was married three times, and of his children David also lived in Villenova until his death in 1841.  He married Annie FAULKNER, and their children were Seth, Norman, William, James, George, and Charles H.  Charles H. CROWELL was born in Villenova, Aug. 27, 1840, and Dec. 3, 1861, married Celestia ROBBINS, of Hanover, N. Y., and has one son, Fred D., born Aug. 5, 1871.  Mr. CROWELL enlisted in 1861 in Co. H, 100th N. Y. Vols., and was honorably discharged in 1862.  Fred D. CROWELL married Emma SMITH, of Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 536

 

Surnames:  DARBEE, PHELPS, CHURCH, AMSDEN, LEWIS

 

Azariah DARBEE was born in Vermont in 1762.  His wife, Susan PHELPS, was born in 1761.  They came to Dayton in 1817 and cleared a farm in the western part of the town, where their deaths occurred Aug. 18, 1851, and Jan. 28, 1840, respectively.  Their children were Chester, Susanna, Aurilla, Azariah, Olive, Clarissa, Celia, and Henry.  Chester DARBEE was born Nov. 24, 1785, served in the War of 1812, cleared a farm, and married Theodotia CHURCH, by whom he had these children:  Henry, Olive, Chester, Jr., Simeon, and John.  Chester DARBEE, Jr., was born in Hamburg, Erie county, July 28, 1811, and married, first, Caroline AMSDEN, and second, Caroline LEWIS.  His children are John H., Lewis H., and John H.  John H. enlisted in the 44th Regt. N. Y. Vols. and was shot at the battle of Malvern Hill.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 536

 

Surnames:  DERSEY, SMITH, HUFF

 

Joseph DERSEY was born in Germany and came to Eden, Erie county, as an early settler, and died there in 1867, aged sixty-four years.  He married Elizabeth SMITH, and. their children were Mary, Elizabeth, Delia, Joseph, Philip, and Jacob.  Jacob DERSEY was born in Eden, June 20, 1840, and June 29, 1876, married Mary W. HUFF, who was born June 4, 1851.  Their children are Alfred, born April 28, 1882, and Mildred P., born March 13, 1890.  Mr. DERSEY is a farmer in the town in a locality known as Fair Plain.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 536

 

Surname:  DEXTER

 

Charles W. DEXTER came to Leon and died there at the age of seventy-five years.  His grandson, William A. DEXTER, the son of Bela E., was born in Gowanda, Dec. 14, 1856 and is now a farmer in the town of Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 536

 

Surnames:  EDDIE, KETCHUM

 

Elbridge EDDIE was an early settler of Persia, where he died in 1878.  He was a native of Enfield, Mass.  His son Guilford J. was born in Persia, May 10, 1833, married Clarissa KETCHUM, and has had seven children.  He is a blacksmith.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 536

 

Surnames:  ENGLISH, GERE, WAITE, POTTER, FILLEY

 

Daniel D. ENGLISH, son of William, was an early pioneer of Dayton.  He was born in Washington county, N. Y., May 9, 1807, and died here April 15, 1874.  His wife, Amanda GERE, died in Leon, Oct. 21, 1880.  Their children were Eleanor, Sanford, Oscar, Alida, Amelia, Edgar, Theodore, and Lewis, all born in Dayton.  Oscar ENGLISH, born December 31, 1839, married, Sept. 2, 1866, Mercy R., daughter of William and Basheba (WAITE) POTTER, of Leon.  She was born in Machias, Oct. 26, 1843.  Their children are Bert L., born May 27, 1869, and Maud (adopted), born Aug. 22, 1878.  Mr. ENGLISH has resided on his present farm twenty-four years and has served as assessor three terms.  Theodore ENGLISH was born June 22, 1851, and January 10, 1874, married Etta A., daughter of George and Mary FILLEY, and their two children, Ethel and Bernard, were born Sept. 14, 1877, and Sept. 6, 1885, respectively.  Mr. ENGLISH is a general merchant at South Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 536

 

Surnames:  FISHER, BOWER, TRABER

 

Carl FISHER, son of John, was born in Dunkirk, N. Y., March 1, 1864.  John FISHER was born in Germany in I815, served in the war of the Rebellion, and died in Dunkirk in 1863.  July 24, 1882, Carl FISHER married Reka, daughter of Christopher and Caroline (BOWER) TRABER, of Dayton, and their only child is Isabella, born January 23, 1892.  Christopher TRABER, son of Gotlieb, was born in Germany, Nov. 26, 1841, came to Buffalo in 1861, served in Co. H. 96th N. Y. Vols., in the late war, married Caroline BOWER, and now lives in Dayton.  Mr. FISHER and Mr. TRABER are employees of he Erie railroad.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 536 & 537

 

Surnames:  FISHER, GILLETT, COOK

 

John FISHER, a native of Albany, a miller by trade, a soldier of the War of 1812, died in Italy, Yates county, at the age of 106 years and six months.  Of his children James married Rachel GILLETT and of their children Jeremiah was born May 8, 1830, married Sally Ann COOK, has three children, and is a dealer in monuments in South Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 537

 

Surnames:  FOSTER, WHEELER, NEWCOMB

 

Joseph FOSTER, born in Hartford, N.Y., in 1800, died in Otto aged seventy-five.  His wife was Hester WHEELER, of Otto, and they had eight children, of whom Harvey, born Oct. 9, 1834, in Otto, married, Dec. 25, 1862, Emily, daughter of Simon NEWCOMB, of Dayton, and is a farmer in this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 537

 

Surnames:  CADWIN, FRANCIS, WHITE, BRIGGS

 

Francis CADWIN was born in Cayuga county in 1795, came to Hamburg, Erie county, removed thence to Leon, and finally settled in Perrysburg, where he died, aged seventy-five years.  His father, Roswell, a native of Connecticut, served in the War of 1812 and died in Cayuga county.  Francis married a daughter of Simon FRANCIS, by whom he had seven children, of whom George was born in Hamburg, May 7, 1831, married, Dec. 18, 1856, Mary WHITE, and reared one daughter, Lydia (Mrs. Morris O. BRIGGS, of Buffalo).  Mr. FRANCIS enlisted in 1861 in Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols., and served 14 months.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 537

 

Surnames:  FULLER, CONKLIN

 

Henry FULLER, son of Benjamin, had seven children, of whom Edgar was born in Dayton, July 7, 1843, married Alice CONKLIN, and is a Wesleyan minister.  His mother Betsey survives and resides in Dayton on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 537

 

Surnames:  GREGG, ADGATE, JOHNSON

 

Jonathan GREGG, born in New Hampshire in 1791, came to Dayton, where he was killed by a falling tree Oct. 21, 1850.  His wife, Philinda, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth ADGATE, died in 1855.  Their children were Clarinda, Margaret, Elizabeth, Joseph, Chester, Adgate T., Caroline, and Edgar.  Adgate T. GREGG, born April 20, 1837, married in 1864 Philena, daughter of Gile JOHNSON, of Dayton, and has had born to him these children:  Lizzie M., Grace C., Althea M., Clara S., and Georgia A.  Mr. GREGG enlisted Oct. 2, 1861, in Co. H, 44th N. Y. Vols., and was honorably discharged in 1864.  He is a farmer on the Gile JOHNSON farm in Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 537

 

Surnames:  HALL, RICH, PARK, BACON, WOOD, LUCE

 

William G. HALL, son of justice, was born at Portage, N. Y., came to New Albion, and finally removed to near the Wesley postoffice, where he died.  He was a farmer, and married Almeda RICH, of Barre, Orleans county, who survives him and resides on the homestead.  His children were Charles W., Leonard O., Alzina A., Mary D., Delbert, Rowland, Arad, Sarah, Denton, and Marian (deceased).

 

Charles W. HALL was born in New Albion, Nov. 3, 1837, and March 11, 1861, married Betsey A., daughter of Norman L. and Lucy A,. (PARK) BACON, by whom he has one son, Burt H.  Mr. HALL is a merchant and postmaster at Wesley.  He served as corporal in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was at the battles of Chancellorsville and Rocky Face Ridge, being severely wounded at each engagement.

 

Delbert HALL, another son of William G., was born in New Albion, May 12, 1848, and married, March 27, 1865, Mary J. WOOD, a native of Niagara county, who has borne him three children:  Glenn W., Willie J., and Jennie M.  Mr. HALL served in the late war in Co. D, 179th N. Y. Vols., and is now a carpenter and proprietor of a planing-mill in Dayton village.  Glenn W. HALL, born Aug. 15, 1868, married Anna, daughter of Obediah and Mary J. LUCE, of New Albion, has one son, Blaine D., and is a farmer in the south part of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 537 & 538

 

Surnames:  HALL, MOSHER, WATKINS, SHAFER

 

Calvin HALL, a native of Vermont, came to Dayton in 1855, where he died in 1890.  His wife, Sarah MOSHER, died here aged fifty-four.  They had three children:  Calvin E., Phebe, and Lydia.  Calvin E. HALL was born Jan. 22, 1826, came to Dayton with his father, and finally moved to Buffalo, where he died in 1890.  By his wife, Sarah WATKINS, he had these children:  Mary Z., Ada, Edmond, Drusa, Jessie, and Robert B.  The latter was born in New Albion, July 1, 1853.  January 1, 1872, he married Nettie, daughter of Patrick SHAFER, of Salamanca, and their children are Gertrude, Charles C., Jessie M., and Mabel D.  Mr. HALL is a farmer on the homestead.  Patrick SHAFER, son of Andrew, was born Oct. 26, 1822, and died Oct. 15, 1875; his wife Cordelia was born May 20, 1820, and died Jan. 16, 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 538

 

Surnames:  HILLBERT, HARVEY, BAILEY, PAYNE, SKEELS

 

Nelson HILLEBERT, son of John C. and Elizabeth HILLEBERT, was born in Onondaga county, Nov. 11, 1809, came to Dayton in 1837, and settled near Wesley, where he died Sept. 13, 1871.  He was postmaster and highway commissioner many years.  He married, Sept. 11, 1845, Eleanor HARVEY, and their children were Emeline J., Amelia, George N., Adaline, Mary, and Warren W.  Mrs. HILLEBERT survives her husband and resides on the homestead.  Emeline J., born in Dayton, Sept. 22, 1846, married, Feb. 15, 1871, George BAILEY, and has one daughter, Dora E.;  Warren W. was born Aug. 21, 1885, married Belle PAYNE, and has two children:  Willie J. and Chester.  George N. HILLEBERT, born in Dayton, Jan. 27, 1851, married Ursula SKEELS, and their children are Nelson and Clifford (deceased).  Mr. HILLEBERT is a farmer in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 538

 

Surnames:  HOOKER, GATES, FIFE, WATERMAN, JOHNSON

 

Jacob HOOKER was a son of Daniel., who was a native of Germany, a resident of Boston and later of Brandon, Vt., and a soldier of the Revolution.  His wife, Mary (GATES) HOOKER, died in Perrysburg aged about ninety years.  Jacob HOOKER was born in Stowe, Mass., came to Perrysburg in 1835, and died Nov. 25, 1863.  His wife, Lois FIFE, was born Dec. 24, 1788, and by her he had five children.

 

John HOOKER, another son of Daniel, married Philena WATERMAN, reared ten children, and died in 1888, in Perrysburg.  His sons Hall and Ray served in the Rebellion, the first mentioned being killed in action.  Newell P. HOOKER, another son, was born in Perrysburg, March 20, 185o, married, June 22, 1884, Christine JOHNSON, and has five children.  Mrs. JOHNSON was born in Sweden, Feb. 1, 1860,  Her father came to Dayton in 1884 and is a farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 538

 

Surnames:  HOWARD, BACON, TOWN, ROSS, INGERSOLL, REMINGTON

 

Harry HOWARD, a native of Onondaga county, came to Persia as one of the first settlers, cleared a farm on Nash hill, and thence removed to Dayton, where he died in 1881; his wife, Delilah BACON, died in 1888.  Their children were Harriet, Amanda, Alexander, Norman, Emeline, and Charlotte.  Alexander HOWARD, born in Persia, died in Dayton in March, 1861.  He married Lucy, daughter of Amos and Almeda (TOWN) ROSS, and his children were James, Albert, Emma, and Amanda.  William H. HOWARD was born in Wisconsin, June 8, 1850, and March 1, 1874, married Mary A., daughter of Hiram and Alzada (INGERSOLL) REMINGTON, of Leon, and his children are Worden A., born March 13, 1875; Bertha, born April 13, 1876; Orville, born Feb. 17, 1880; Ray, born July 18, 1885; and Custer, born Feb. 18, 1891.  Mr. HOWARD is a farmer in the southeast part of Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 538

 

Surname:  HUBBARD

 

Harvey HUBBARD, a native of Massachusetts, came to Dayton while young and died here in 1872.  His son Charles accompanied him to the town and still resides within its limits, having removed in 1891 from near Markham to his present location.  Several family connections of the name also live in Dayton and hold high places in the esteem of the community.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 538 & 539

 

Surnames:  HULETT, CALKINS, DARBEE, ALLEN, KIMBALL, DYE, STIVERS, WADE

 

Asahel HULETT was born in Shaftsbury, Vt., in 1800.  His father, Aaron, served seven years in the Revolutionary war as groomsman of Washington's horses.  Asahel married Almira, daughter of Elisha and Dolly (CALKINS) DARBEE, who bore him eleven children, of whom Andrew J., born Oct. 26, 1833, married in 1856 Frances ALLEN, by whom he had two children, Lucy and Allen.  Mr. HULETT married, second, Mrs. Elizabeth KIMBALL, daughter of John DYE, in 1865, who was the mother of two children, Helen and Horace Greeley.  His third wife was Mrs. Annie DYE, daughter of Jonathan C. and Margaret (STIVERS) WADE.  Mr. HULETT enlisted in July, 1863, in Co. C, 112th N. Y. Vols., and served to the close of the war.  His brother Marcus was a soldier in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols.: another brother, Asahel, was a member of Co. B, 112th Regt.  Mr. HULETT is a blacksmith in South Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  HURLBURT, EASTON, VINCENT

 

Edward C. HURLBURT, son of Byron C. and Harriet C. HURLBURT, was born in Haskinville, N. Y., April 17, 1868.  Aug. 31, 1889, he married Bertha M., daughter of Oscar and Emma (EASTON) VINCENT, of Leon, and resides on the EASTON estate in the southeast part of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  INMAN, CALDWELL, BLAIR, RANDALL, HOOKER

 

Harvey INMAN came to Dayton with James CALDWELL and married Betsey C., daughter of William and Susan BLAIR.  His father, Peleg, served in the War of 1812.  Harvey INMAN removed to Illinois, but returned after a few years to Dayton and enlisted in the late war and served until its close, being captured at Chancellorsville and incarcerated in Libby prison for a time.  He died in Dayton, May 24, 1891.  His wife survives him and resides with their daughter at Cottage, where also live two sons, Henry and Orris.  Lowell D. INMAN, born in Illinois, Dec. 13, 1854, married Alia RANDALL, and resides at Cottage.  H. Burt INMAN, son of Harvey, was born in Dayton, May 16, 1842, married Harriet, daughter of John and Philena HOOKER, and has six children.  He served three years in Co. H, 44th N. Y. Vols., in the Civil war.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, SALISBURY, RICH

 

Gile JOHNSON was a son of John, who served in the War of 1812 and died in Herkimer county.  He was also a brother of Ralph JOHNSON, who figures largely in the early settlement of the town.  Gile died here in 1872.  His first wife was Philena SALISBURY and the mother of three children.  His second wife was Milla RICH.  His children were Calvin, Corydon C. (see Medical chapter, p. 168), George, Gile, Belva, Philena, Mary, Elsie, Althena, Leonard, and Julia.  Ralph JOHNSON was supervisor of Dayton in 1851, while his brother Gile served in the same capacity in 1855 and 1857.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, CROSBY

 

Leroy B. JOHNSON, son of Hugh, was born in Mansfield, June 7, 1855, and Nov. 22, 1876, married Jennie, daughter of Lot and Rachel CROSBY, by whom he has five children.  Mr. JOHNSON is a merchant and postmaster at Cottage, and is also a farmer. Hugh JOHNSON served in Co. K, 56th N. Y. Vols., and now resides in Fredonia, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  JOLLS, FOSTER

 

Carrier JOLLS was an early settler in Perrysburg, where he died.  Among his large family of children was John, who was the first to settle on the present FOSTER farm, where he died aged seventy-nine.  He likewise had a large family from two wives.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  LAW, DAILEY

 

Chauncey E. LAW, son of Lewis M., who was for many years a hardware merchant and died in Pennsylvania in 1861, was born in Aurora, April 22, 1857, and married, May 2, 1882, Minnie E., daughter of George and Caroline DAILEY, of Dayton, by whom he has had two children, George L., born July 30, 1883, and Chester D., born Jan. 4, 1892.  Mr. LAW is a resident of Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 539

 

Surnames:  LEONARD, MANCHESTER

 

Isaac LEONARD was born in Taunton, Mass., came to Perrysburg in 1825, and thence to Dayton, where he died aged sixty-nine years.  His wife, Lucy MANCHESTER, a native of New Hampshire, died here at the age of forty-seven, after bearing these children: Joseph N., Otis W., Ann M., Schuyler B., Maryette, Ellen, Lyanda, and Cornelia.  Mr. LEONARD's father, Noah, a native of Massachusetts, served seven years in the Revolutionary war and died in Southfield, N. Y., aged ninety years.  Joseph N. LEONARD is a farmer in the town of Dayton on a farm of 242 acres.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 540

 

Surnames:  LOCKE, WOOD, McMILLEN

 

Henry W. LOCKE was born in Massachusetts and came to Dayton from Moravia, Cayuga county, in February, 1852, clearing what is known as the LOCKE farm, where he died in 1890 at the age of eighty-five years.  He was born Jan. 22, 1805, was justice of the peace three years, and married Temperance WOOD, of Moravia, who died in 1883.  His children were Henry A., James, David A., Mary A., Mary L., and John, all of whom were born in Moravia.  John LOCKE came to Dayton with his father and now resides on the McMILLEN farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 540

 

Surnames:  MARKHAM, ADGATE, GREGG, CHASE, DAY

 

Henry J. MARKHAM is a lineal descendant of an English family of the name who were early settlers of Massachusetts, of whom Benjamin, grandfather of Henry J., was seven years in the Revolutionary war and finally moved to Broome county, where he died.  His son Joshua had five children, of whom Henry J. was born in Windsor, Broome county, Jan. 1, 1815, married, Feb. 17, 1842, Clarinda, daughter of Jonathan and Philinda (ADGATE) GREGG, and has had born to him these children:  John H., born Dec. 8, 1843; Philinda, born March 17, 1847; and Annie B., born Aug. 30, 1867.  Mr. MARKHAM is a farmer on 700 acres of land, most of which he cleared.  His son John H. married, Aug. 11, 1870, Harriet, daughter of Eli and Sirena (CHASE) DAY, has two children, Sirena and Annie, and is a farmer near the station of Markham.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 540

 

Surname:  MARKHAM

 

Aaron MARKHAM is a native of Massachusetts, came to Dayton in 1836, and died here in 1852.  Among his five children was Aaron, Jr., whose son William R., born Nov. 27, 1814, came to this town in 1843, where he still resides, a retired farmer.  Of his sons Aaron and Sylvanus, served in the late war in the Ellsworth's Zouaves, the former being killed (age nineteen), and Philo A. was a member of Co. B., 154th N. Y. Vols., and lost an arm at Rocky Face Ridge.  The latter was brevetted first lieutenant for meritorious service.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 540

 

Surnames:  MASON, CRANE

 

Henry C. MASON is a son of Isaac MASON, who was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 23, 1798, and died Dec. 27, 1885.  Brooks MASON, the father of Isaac, was a Revolutionary soldier and the third settler in the town of Penfield, Monroe county, where he died.  Henry C. MASON was born in Penfield, Sept. 14, 1825.  Oct. 31, 1847, he married Amanda M. CRANE, who bore him these children:  Orinda C., born May 20, 1850: Isaac C., born April 28, 1852; Levi D., born May 14, 1854; and Loren D., born Sept. 25, 1860, now a farmer in Dayton.  James B. MASON, a brother of Henry C., was lieutenant-colonel in command at Clinch Mountain, West Virginia, where he was killed in 1863.  George P. MASON, another brother, was captain of Co. B, 11th Mich. Vols., and was killed in Kentucky.  Levi A. MASON, still another brother, enlisted as captain of Co. 1, 2d Mich. Vols., and served-to the close of the war, participating in forty-seven different engagements.  Russell B. MASON, another brother still, enlisted in Aug., 1861, in a Michigan regiment, and was wounded at White Oak Swamp.  Henry C. MASON, the fifth brother in service in the war of the Rebellion, enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols., in Sept., 1861, and was discharged Dec. 3, 1862.  He is now a farmer near South Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 540 & 541

 

Surnames:  McMILLEN, BEACH, SHEPARD

 

William McMILLEN, Sr., son of Hugh McMILLEN, who was born at Loch, Scotland, came to America and settled near the head of Lake George, where he became an enterprising citizen, and where he died.  Among the children of William, Sr., was William, Jr., who was born in Athol, Warren county, Nov. 8, 1813, and came to Dayton in 1831.  By his first wife, Esther BEACH, of Bennington, Vt., he had five children:  Mary A., Margaret, James, William W., and Wesley.  His second wife was Corilla SHEPARD, who has borne him six children:  Orland, Rachel, John, Edwin, Frank, and Irving.  Mr. McMILLEN has been deputy sheriff and constable nine years and now resides near Markham.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 541

 

Surnames:  MERRILL, PRENTICE, ALLEN, DAY, RHODES, MARSHALL

 

Johnson MERRILL, son of Captain Israel, was born in Manchester, N. H., May 9, 1833, began life teaching school when sixteen, came to Syracuse, N. Y., in 1854, and purchased an interest in the salt works there, and in 1856 removed to Persia, where he married, June 17, 1858, Sarah E., daughter of Benjamin J. and Sally (PRENTICE) ALLEN.  They moved to Meadville, Pa., where they both taught school three years, and then went to Oil Creek, Pa., where he engaged in oil speculation.  In 1866 they returned to Dayton and settled at Cottage, where he died May 7, 1891.  Their only son, William W. MERRILL, was born May 29, 1868, and with his widowed mother occupies the homestead.

 

Anson C. MERRILL was an early settler of Dayton and held many offices of trust, among them that of supervisor in 1839 and 1840, and died here aged 75.  Of his seven children Albert J. occupies the MERRILL farm in Dayton.

 

Heman MERRILL, son of Barzilla, was born in Fabius, Onondaga county, March 27, 1891, and came to Dayton at an early day.  He was supervisor of Dayton in 1846 and 1847.  He died on the farm he cleared on June 1, 1871.  Heman R. MERRILL, one of his thirteen children, was born here Feb. 1, 1836, married, April 1, 1855, Lydia M. DAY, of Villenova, Chautauqua county, and has bad born to him six children.  Mr. and Mrs. MERRILL reside on the Marvin farm in Dayton, where he has lived twenty-eight years.

 

Silas H. MERRILL, the father of Mrs. Marcus J. RHODES, was born in Dayton in 1830.  His father, Heman, was born in Connecticut in 1791 and died at the age of eighty years.  Silas H. married Maria J. MARSHALL, of Erie county, Pa., and their children were Ara N. and Martha I.  He was prominent in local politics and for many years was a deacon in the Baptist church.  On Dec. 29, 1876, he was killed in the Ashtabula (Ohio) railroad disaster, and nothing was ever found of his remains.  A pocket knife, a bunch of keys, and his gold watch were all that were recovered by which identity could be established.  His watch had stopped at 7:32 P. M. indicating the time of the accident.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 541

 

Surnames:  MILKS, MILLER, KIMBALL, FRANKLIN

 

Jonathan MILKS was the first settler on a farm in the south part of Dayton.  He was born in Washington county in 1800 and died here at the age of eighty years, his wife Margaret dying aged sixty.  Their children were John, Benjamin, Jonathan, Prince W., Luke, Mary, Bashebee, Sarah, and Deborah.  Benjamin MILKS married Elida MILLER and their children are Leonard, Charles, Cordelia, Betsey, Garret, Joanna, Deborah, Gilbert, and Freeman.  The latter was born in Dayton, July 22, 1831, and Oct. 23, 1856, married Joanna, daughter of Eber and Martha (KIMBALL) FRANKLIN, of Leon.  She was born July 24, 1836.  Mr. MILKS resides in Dayton village.  He has lived in the town from his birth, has been a farmer, and now owns 500 acres of land and a saw-mill.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 541 & 542

 

Surnames:  NASH, BUNCE, SMITH

 

Silas NASH was a native of Massachusetts and came to Dayton in 1810.  He and Simeon BUNCE were the first settlers in the town.  He cleared a farm now known as the NASH farm, where he lived until his death.  In his house occurred the first birth and first death in Dayton.  He married Sally BUNCE, a sister of Simeon, and their children were Aras (the first child born in town), Miranda, Almira, Emeline, and Dewitt.  The latter was born in Dayton, July 10, 1818, and died here April 27, 1891.  He was a great hunter.  With his gun and friends he would roam the wild forests in search of game, which they always found.  He married Julia H. SMITH on October 5, 1842.  She was an excellent woman and his companion for nearly half a century, and survives him.  Their adopted children are Adelbert, Charles, Orlando, and Marshall.

 

The NASH family has been prominent in the northwest part of the county.  Representatives of the various branches have frequently filled positions of trust and responsibility and have invariably served their constituents and their country with unswerving fidelity and lasting honor.  Silas NASH was supervisor of Perry in 1818, of Perrysburg in 1821 and 1822, and of Dayton in 1835, 1836, 1841, 1842, 1843, and 1845.  Dewitt NASH held the same office for the town of Dayton in 1858 and 1859.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 542

 

Surname:  NEWCOMB

 

Thomas NEWCOMB, a pioneer of Dayton, cleared a farm near Markham, where he died at an advanced age.  His son Edwin, who was born here in 1831, has married three times and resides on the homestead.  Another son, George, served in the 154th N. Y. Vols. and died a prisoner on Belle Island.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 542

 

Surnames:  OLIVEY, COOMB, VANCE

 

Isaac OLIVEY was born in London, England.  He was paymaster in the Royal Engineers' Corps at Aldershoot.  He had one son, Isaac OLIVEY, Jr., who was born in London in 1835 and was drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Ireland in 1860.  His wife, Elizabeth COOMB, who died in London in 1883, bore him two children, William and John.  John OLIVEY came to Dayton and married Catharine A., daughter of Joseph VANCE, of New Hamburg, Canada, and their children are Charles D., Clara E., and Laura I.  Mr. OLIVEY is a cheesemaker at Markham.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 542

 

Surnames:  PARK, PARKE, KIRBY, HALL, NASH, ENGLISH

 

Sidney PARK, son of Ephraim and Betsey PARK, was born in Chenango county, Sept. 1, 1805, and died in Leon, April 17, 1864.  He came to Dayton in 1826.  His wife, Cornelia E. KIRBY, whom he married June 24, 1825, bore him five children:  Wellington N., Betsey E., Elizabeth A., John Q., and Andrew G.  The latter was born in Dayton, Aug. 6, 1839, and Jan. 1, 1866, married Mary D., daughter of William and Almeda HALL, of New Albion, and his children were Fenton M., William H., Alzina C., Lester A., and Earle S.  Mr. PARK is a farmer, a dealer in hay and grain, and assessor and highway commissioner.  Aug. 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was honorably discharged June 17, 1865.  He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, was in Sherman's campaign and march to the sea, was first duty sergeant, was taken prisoner at Snow Hill, N. C., March 26, 1865, and was incarcerated within twenty miles of where Jefferson Davis was captured.

 

Avery PARK, another son of Ephraim, was born in Chenango county in 1800, came to Dayton in 1826, cleared a farm in the eastern part of the town, and died in the village in 1876.  He was justice of the peace many years.  He married Lodema Ann, daughter of Alexander NASH, of Dayton, who died in I846, their children being Franklin, Electa Ann, Achsah M., Porter A., Artson N., Hudson H., and Esek K.  The latter, born in Dayton, Sept. 6, 1830, married, Dec. 25, 1852, Emeline O. WADE, who was born in 1832.  Their children are Roselia A. (Mrs. Rowland HALL) and Lincoln A. PARKE.  Mr. PARK is a resident of Wesley, where he is a general merchant and farmer and a justice of the peace.  Lincoln A. PARKE was born Sept. 11, 1867, and is a merchant with his father.

 

Porter A. PARK, son of Avery and Lodema (NASH) PARK, was born on the homestead in Dayton, June 26, 1840, and Sept. 9, 1864, married Amelia, daughter of Daniel D. and Amanda ENGLISH, who was born March 14, 1844.  Their children are Clayton A., born May 1, 1867; Clarence E., born April 3, I872; Clara A., born Dec. 24, 1875, died Feb. 28, 1879: and Herbert H., born May 8, 1882.  Mr. PARK served in Co. K, 25th Wis. Vols., and was discharged Feb. 16, 1865 on account of wounds.  He is a farmer near Wesley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 543

 

Surnames:  PECK, HYDE, POLAND

 

Joseph K. PECK, a native of Connecticut, was born Nov. 4, 1776, and came at an early day to Freedom.  His wife, Isabella HYDE, also a native of Connecticut, was born June 30, 1779, and their children were Mary, Samuel, Joseph, Hannah, David B., Emily, Porter, Lurany, Eunice, Joel, and Horace, of whom Horace was born in Freedom, Dec. 27, 1831, married, Oct. 3, 1852, Delia POLAND, and has had born to him these children: Hiram C., Jan. 17, 1854; Elmer H., Jan. 25, 1859, died Aug. 25, 1859; Ella O., Nov. 12, 1862; Elma S., Feb. 2, 1865; Willa C., May 2, 1867; Albert H., June 9, 1874; and Elga E., May 25, 1878.  Horace PECK has resided on the Matteson farm 39 years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 543

 

Surnames:  POTTER, WAITE, LOCKE, JOHNSON

 

Daniel POTTER came from Wyoming county to Machias, where he cleared a farm and died at the age of eighty-seven years.  His children were Allen, Daniel, David, Silas, Achsah, Mary, and William.  William POTTER, born in Wyoming county, Jan. 25, 1809, came to East Leon, where he now resides, in about 1840.  He married Basheba WAITE and his children are Butler, Allen, George, Silas, Peter, Mary Jane, Melissa, and Mercy.  Silas POTTER was born .in Leon, March 5, 1848, and Feb. 20, 1876, married Mary LOCKE, who died in September, 1890.  He married, second, Florence, daughter of John JOHNSON, and his children are Juvie and Charles (adopted).  He is a farmer in Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 543

 

Surnames:  REMINGTON, MAYO, DEAN, ALDRICH, MERRILL, MARKHAM

 

Orange REMINGTON was born in Wallingford, Rutland county, Vt., June 2, 1810, and came to Onondaga county and thence to Dayton in 1832, where he cleared a farm in the south part of the town and died in 1871.  Nov. 11, 1835, he married Mary D. MAYO and his children were Hepsabee, born Nov. 8, 1837; Wallace W., born June 30, 1839; Garret P., born Sept. 5, 1841; and George W., born Feb. 25, 1845.  George W. REMINGTON married Alice DEAN and they have one daughter, Carrie I., born April 11, 1870.  He is now a farmer on the homestead.  His mother, Mary, survives her husband.  On the 5th of Sept., 1892, it being her birthday, a re-union of the family occurred, at which were present three children and their families, fourteen grandchildren and their families, and twenty-one great-grand children.  Mrs. REMINGTON came from Chautauqua county and has lived in Dayton seventy-three years.  Her stepfather, Royal ALDRICH, was the first settler on what is called the Summit, where he cleared 200 acres of land.  Garret P. REMINGTON, born in Dayton, Sept. 4, 1841, married, July 4, 1861, Augusta, daughter of Darius and Mary A. (MERRILL) MARKHAM, who was born in Dayton, Jan. 20, 1846.  He enlisted in the late war April 4, 1861, and is a farmer on the Benjamin MARKHAM farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 543

 

Surnames:  RHODES, MERRILL

 

Marcus J. RHODES, son of Joseph (son of George and Annie) and Sarah L. RHODES, of Northville, Pa., was born at Corning, N. Y., March 5, 1854, married Martha J. MERRILL, and has had born to him four children, Maria B., Merrill H., Sarah A., and Silas A.  He is a farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 543

 

Surnames:  RICE, HOWE

 

James RICE came to Gowanda in 1834 and died in Dayton in 1884.  He was a cabinet maker by trade, a farmer, and for twenty-five years station agent at Dayton village.  His wife, Eleanor HOWE, survives him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 543

 

Surname:  SHERMAN

 

Hiram SHERMAN, an Englishman by birth, came to New Albion as an early settler and died there in 1861.  He married twice, and of his ten children Alvin H. is a harnessmaker in Dayton village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 543 & 544

 

Surnames:  SMITH, SEARLES, AMES

 

Chauncey R. SMITH was born in Oneida county.  His father, Thomas SMITH, was also born there, was one of the earliest settlers of Villenova, Chautauqua county, where he died March 3, 1872, and served in the War of 1812.  Chauncey R. SMITH married Lucy E. SEARLES and died in Villenova aged fortythree.  His children were Marvin E. and Emeline D., of whom the former was born in Villenova, July 14, 1840, and married, Aug 15, 1858, Rhoda AMES, by whom he has had these children:  Henry P., Susie D., Nellie A., Jennie V., and Emma L. (deceased).  Mr. SMITH was proprietor of the SMITH Hotel in South Dayton twelve years and is now a farmer near that village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 544

 

Surnames:  SPRAGUE, SHAW, OAKS

 

Abram SPRAGUE, son of Reuben and Huldah SPRAGUE, was born in Hamburg, Erie county, married Louisa, daughter of Samuel and Mary (SHAW) OAKS, and had two children, Juliette and Emery, the latter of whom was born Feb. 1, 1873, and is now a farmer with his widowed mother.  Emery SPRAGUE died in Dayton in 1874, aged sixty-three.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 544

 

Surnames:  STEELEY, SCOTT, PECK, HOOKER, AUSTIN

 

Anderson STELLEY died in Franklinville in 1875.  His children were Spencer, James, Dottson, Anderson, Olive, and Wealthy.  Spencer STELLEY died in Chautauqua county Sept. 7, 1889.  For a time he was a resident of Ischua.  He married Malinda, daughter of John SCOTT, of Farmersville, and their children were Nathan S., Warren, Laura A., Pelona, Almira, Edwin, Bert, and Adelbert.  Laura A. STELLEY,born in Franklinville, July 18, 1860, married, Oct. 7, 1871, Hiram PECK, of Dayton.  Their children are Ida, born July 6, 1888; Charley, born Dec. 17, 1884; and Ray, born Oct. 16, 1890.  Nathan S. STELLEY was born at Ischua, July 21, 1856, and in 1880 married Mary A., daughter of Hiram C. and Jane (HOOKER) AUSTIN, of Dayton.  Their children are Hiram A., Laura A., and Bernice B.  He is a harnessmaker in Dayton village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 544

 

Surnames:  STUDLEY, HUNTLEY, STARKS, ADAMS, DARLING

 

Philemon STUDLEY, son of Jonathan and Lois (HUNTLEY) STUDLEY, natives of New England, was born March 27, 1817, settled in Pomfret, Chautauqua county, and finally removed to Dayton, where he now resides, a farmer.  He married, first, Elvira STARKS, second, Chloe A. ADAMS, and, third, Alvira DARLING.  His children are Mary E., Charles A., David, Maria, and Marion.  Charles and David served in the late war, the latter dying in Vicksburg, June 9, 1863.  Mr. STUDLEY has been a member of the M. E. church 63 years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 544

 

Surnames:  TITUS, STARR, WHIPPLE, LEGGETT, DANIELS

 

Stephen TITUS was born on Long Island in 1772 and died Sept. 4, 1814.  He was a farmer.  His wife, Sally STARR, born Jan. 25, 1774, died Nov. 30, 1814.  Of his twelve children Ira C. was born in Onondaga county, Oct. 1, 1803, and May 4, 1826, married Mary WHIPPLE, who was born in March, 1808.  They had five children, of whom Silas, born in Perrysburg, Nov. 21, 1832, married, Feb. 22, 1855, Naoma, daughter of Samuel LEGGETT, who bore him three children, Eva, Frank, and Emma.  He married, second, Ellen, daughter of Willard and Johanna DANIELS, and his children by her are Burt, Emma, May, and Burt, 2d.  Silas TITUS is a farmer in the west part of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 544

 

Surnames:  VOLK, BEESEL, HOWARD

 

Adam VOLK was a son of Adam and was born and died in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany.  He was a farmer, and of his eight children George was born Jan. 21, 1831, and came to America in 1853.  After residing at Black Rock near Buffalo one year he removed to Sandusky, Ohio, thence to Canada, later to Gowanda, and finally to the village of Dayton, where he was killed by the cars March 14, 1893.  He was a, cooper by trade, and for sixteen years was proprietor of a hotel in Dayton village.  As a gentleman and a citizen he was highly respected.  His wife was Catharine BEESEL, who died in 1884, and their children were John J., Louisa, Catharine, George, Ida, and Emma.  John J. VOLK was born March 4, 1858, and married Maggie, daughter of Daniel and Emeline HOWARD.  He is a hardware merchant in Dayton, and has held the office of town clerk in all twelve years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Pages 544 & 545

 

Surnames:  WAITE, BARSE, ROBERTS, POLAND, PECK

 

Benjamin WAITE, born in Washington county, came to East Leon with his father in 1830 and died there in 1891.  He married Martha, daughter of George BARSE, and his children were Vermelia (Mrs. Alphie ROBERTS), Fred, Lucy, and Albert.  Albert WAITE was born in Dayton, March 7, 1858, and Feb. 29, 1882, he married Ella, daughter of Horace and Adelia S. (POLAND) PECK.  Their children are Martin M., born Feb. 4, 1883, and Nettie M., born June 12, 1888.  He is now a farmer on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 545

 

Surnames:  WELLS, HOPKINS, FARNSWORTH, SMITH

 

Elijah WELLS, Jr., son of Elijah and Lydia WELLS, of Massachusetts, was born in Conway in that State and moved to Oneida county and finally to Perrysburg, where he died.  By his wife, Mercy HOPKINS, he had these children:  Thomas, John, Clarissa, Dexter, Elijah, and Luther.  Elijah WELLS was born in Sangersfield, Oneida county, Nov. 1, 1813, came to Perrysburg with his father, and married, April 7, 1842, Lovina, daughter of John and Julia FARNSWORTH, who bore him children as follows:  John L., Julia A., Clarissa, Jonathan S., Adelbert C., and Eleanor.  Mrs. WELLS died at the age of seventy-eight.  Mr. WELLS survives her and resides in Dayton.  Adelbert C. WELLS married Lillie SMITH and has one son, Leo.  He lives with his father on the homestead.  John L. WELLS enlisted in the 64th Regt. N. Y. Vols. and died at Camp California in 1862 of typhoid fever.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 545

 

Surnames:  WILBER, GOLDING, WHITE

 

Joshua WILBER was born in Collins, Erie county, June 17, 1819, married, Jan. 29, 1840, Clarinda, daughter of Daniel L. and Sybil (GOLDING) WHITE, and came to Dayton in 1885.  His father, Stephen, a native of Vermont, came to -Buffalo in 1807, being there at the burning of that city in 1814, and removed to Collins, where he died in 1862.  Isaac WILBER, the brother of Stephen, was a native of Scotland and a Quaker, and before settling in Danby, Vt., followed the ocean for about twenty years.  He eventually came to Collins, where he died at nearly 100 years of age.  The children of Joshua and Clarinda (WHITE) WILBER are George, Daniel, Imogene, Steukley, and Frank B.  He enlisted in Co. D, 10th N. Y. Cav., and served under Gen. Sheridan until the war closed.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 545

 

Surname:  WILCOX

 

Alanson WILCOX became a settler of this town at the age of twenty years.  He served in the War of 1812.  His son William C., who was born here in 1845, has married twice, and lives on the WILCOX homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 545

 

Surnames:  WOOD, SATTERLY

 

Alonzo WOOD, son of George, married in 1844 Betsey SATTERLY, of Otto.  He served in Co. A, 9th N. Y. Cav., and is a farmer in the town of Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Dayton  – Chapter XXIII (23)

Page 545

 

Surnames:  WOOD, WELLS

 

Lemuel H. WOOD was an early comer to Leon, where he died in 1853.  His son Daniel T., born in 1830, married Sarah WELLS, served in Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols., and now resides at South Dayton.

 

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TOWN OF EAST OTTO

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 552

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, WELLS, BONESTEEL

 

The name ANDREWS is the modern English form of the Latin, Andreas, which signifies a man.  Some bearing the name have claimed that "it is derived from St. Andrew the Apostle."  The family has been prominent in England, whose books of heraldry contain full descriptions of their "coats of arms."  John ANDREWS came from England in 1640 and settled on land in Connecticut in what was anciently known as "Tunxis," afterward as "ffarmingtowne," and later as Farmington, on which land some of his direct descendants still reside.  He died in 1681 and his wife Mary in 1694.  Daniel, their third son, was born in 1649 and died in 1731.  His son Daniel was born in 1672 and died in 1748.  Joseph, son of Daniel, Jr., was born in 1711, lived in Glastonbury, Conn., and died about 1747, leaving a son Joseph, born in 1745, who was a soldier in the Revolution, as was also his brother Daniel.  Joseph died in 1837.  George, the fourth son of the last named (Joseph), was born in 1780, removed to Knowlesville, N. Y., in 1815, and died in 1861.  Willis M., the second son of George, was born Feb. 7, 1806, in Glastonbury, Conn.  In 1829 he came with Samuel WELLS, a brother of Horace WELLS, the pioneer, to East Otto, and Jan. 1, 1832, married Mariette BONESTEEL, who was born in Worcester, N. Y., Jan. 8, 1810, and who came with her father's family to East Otto in 1828.  Soon after his marriage he built a house and shop at East Otto Corners, where he carried on shoemaking till the early forties, when he purchased a farm near "the corners," which he managed. till his removal in 1864 to Cattaraugus, where he died Sept. 3, 1870, his wife surviving until Nov. 36, [sic] 1891.  Prior to their marriage she was a schoolteacher.  Both lived useful, honorable lives, and their many sterling characteristics were inherited by their "descendants.  Sketches of their children appear in the chapters of the towns with which they have been most recently identified.  The ANDREWS family has ever been ready to take up arms in their country's defense.  From the Revolution to the present day they have gallantly participated in every war which has threatened the nation's life, enlisting others in the strife, and leading or themselves going to victory or death.  In all that interests the soldier, his widow, or his children they are first and foremost in aid and influence.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 552 & 553

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, PRATT, CARTER, SLAWSON, RICH, COURTER

 

George William ANDREWS, the oldest child of Willis M. and Mariette ANDREWS, was born in East Otto, Nov. 12, 1832, and was married, April 13, 1856, to Ellen, daughter of Calvin PRATT, an early comer to this town.  She was born in East Otto, Sept. 17, 1837, and died June 19, 1878.  She was a brave, true woman and a devoted wife and mother.  Children: Tully, born Feb. 27, 1857, died Aug. 6, 1857; Annie L., born July 6, 1858, married, Sept. 24, 1884, Oscar CARTER, a photographer at Cattaraugus, and died March 27, 1885; Walton C., born Jan. 13, 1861, married, Nov. 29, 1885, Nellie SLAWSON, was a partner with his uncle, Jerome A. ANDREWS, in the general merchandise business for several years at Cattaraugus, now with Clayton RICH in the same line at Gardeau, Pa.; and Crissy, born Dec. 25, 1869, married, Jan. 9, 1889, A. S. COURTER, a merchant at Otto.  The latter has one child, Walton C., born Nov. 29, 1890.  George W. ANDREWS, like his brothers and sisters, obtained the rudiments of an education in the common school.  During a part of three terms he was a student in Springville Academy and engaged in teaching in the intervals of farm labor till after his marriage.  In 1861 he enlisted more than a score of men for the 9th N. Y. Vol. Cav., in which regiment he served as private until discharged for disability.  He then engaged in general merchandizing with his brother Jerome A. (see Salamanca) till 1869, since which time he has been alone.  He was postmaster twenty-one years at East Otto, where he has always resided.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 553

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, KING

 

Edson Alfred ANDREWS, youngest son of Willis M. and Mariette ANDREWS, was born Aug. 8, 1845, at East Otto.  He early began the study of law with Rice & Scott at Ellicottville.  While yet a student in their office he married Ellen, daughter of Hon. Alanson KING, of Ashford, and enlisted as sergeant in the 179th N. Y. Vols. in the same month, April 11, 1864.  He served gallantly in front of Petersburg, was taken prisoner at the great mine explosion July 31, 1864, and died of starvation and exposure in the rebel prison pen at Danville, Va., Jan. 11, 1865.

 

"He heard his country's call and gave his life, Just wed, from nuptial joys he went where grim Death grinned o'er Petersburg; – Ta'en in that strife  He died – sad prison death – far, far from home, and friends, and wife."

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 553

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, RICH, OAKES

 

Eva A., youngest daughter of Willis M. and Mariette ANDREWS, was born at East Otto, Oct. 28, 1857, and removed with her parents to Cattaraugus.  Dec. 30, 1871, at Silver Creek, N. Y., she married Olin G. RICH, of Cattaraugus, now senior partner of the firm of RICH & OAKES, real estate dealers of Buffalo, N. Y.  They have one daughter, Nellie, born at St. Petersburg, Pa., Aug. 18, 1874.  As a child Eva was musical and is now a talented pianist and instructor in piano, organ, and vocal music. 

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 553

 

Surnames:  ARMSTRONG, COPELAND, ANDRE, TRAVERS, AUSTIN, BENTON

 

Harvey K. ARMSTRONG was born in Perry, Wyoming County, Feb. 10, 1834.  Jedediah ARMSTRONG, his father, was a native of Oneida County, whence he moved to Perry in 1823.  In the winter of 1844 he came to East Otto.  He located on the farm on which H. K. now lives, where he resided till his death in 1865, aged sixty-eight years.  The mother of Harvey K. was a daughter of Amasa COPELAND, a soldier of the Revolution who belonged to the detachment that guarded Major Andre and conducted him to the scaffold.  She lived with H. K. until her death in 1891, aged ninety-four years.  Five others of the COPELAND family lived to be from ninety-one to ninety-seven years old.  Harvey K. ARMSTRONG married, Sept. 16, 1857, Mary, daughter of Abel TRAVERS, of Chautauqua County.  They have two sons and one daughter: J. D., of Salamanca; Rosa (Mrs. M. H. AUSTIN), of Buffalo; and J. Benton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 553 & 554

 

Surnames: BARNES, BURCHARD, MERCER, HOLMES, LARABEE, HAWKINS, DITCHER, TWITCHELL

 

Clark BARNES was born in Dayton, Feb. 2, 1852, and traces his ancestry back to the heroes of the Revolution.  His great-grandfather fell while scaling the walls of Quebec; his grandfather, Tompkins BARNES, came from Maine to Sardinia, Erie county, about 1820; and his father, Surlanty BARNES, born there March 16, 1828, came. to East Otto in 1846, and was here married, Dec. 9, 1849, to Caroline, daughter of Joseph BURCHARD.  She was born in East Otto, July 8, 1829, and both are now living on their farm in this town.  Children: Lovina A., born Sept. 25, 1850, died Sept. 20, 1863, and Clark.  Clark BARNES married, Jan. 19, 1876, Ann L., daughter of James MERCER, who was born in England, Jan, 14, 1807, came to America in 1826, and settled in Oneida county, removing in 1835 to East Otto, where he died Sept. 5, 1880.  He married Betsey HOLMES, Sept. 23, 1830; children: Mary, born Sept. 8, 1831, married Amos LARABEE; James C., born Oct. 22, 1833; Elizabeth, born March 3l, 1839, married William HAWKINS; Ann L., born March 17, 1845, married Clark BARNES; Martha M., born Sept. 26, 1848, married Chris DITCHER; Philama, born Dec. 4, 1850, married Laban TWITCHELL; and William A., born Sept. 11, 1855.  To Clark and Ann L. BARNES have been born Carl J., June 27, 1877, and Mary, May 21, 1887, now living, and Ina, Feb. 22, 1879, who died at the age of three years.  Mr. BARNES is one of East Otto's thorough, reliable farmers.  A Republican in politics he served his town as assessor and is now commissioner of highways, having received the largest majority ever given in town for that office in a contested election.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 554

 

Surnames:  BEACH, NASH, HINMAN, BUSH, NORTHRUP

 

Oscar F. BEACH was born in Massachusetts, Sept. 23, 1818, and is a son of Henry BEACH, who came to East Otto with his family in 1825 and died here Feb. 7, 1847.  Mrs. BEACH (Maria NASH) died June 14, 1872.  Oscar F. BEACH purchased the homestead and made it his life-long home.  He married, Oct. 8, 1846, Adaline, daughter of S. B. HINMAN.  She was born in this county Oct. 8,1827.  Children: Edson F., Cornelia (Mrs. A. B. BUSH), and Addie (Mrs. L. H. NORTHRUP).  A Republican in politics Mr. BEACH represented the town of East Otto on the Board of Supervisors in 1874 and 1875, and in religion was an exemplary member of the Congregational church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 554

 

Surnames:  BEEBE, BATTELL, PRATT, MILLS

 

About 1640 four brothers, sons of John BEEBE, of Dorset, England, came to America and settled on Long Island.  Silas BEEBE, a lineal descendant of John and the grandfather of Edwin F., was born on Long Island in 1763.  James BEEBE, his son, was born March 30, 1804.  He married Elizabeth, daughter of James BATTELL, a soldier of the Revolution who died at the age of eighty-nine years.  Edwin F. BEEBE, son of James, was born in New Haven, Conn., Oct. 30, 1836, his father at that time being an engineer on a steamboat running from New York to New Haven.  The family residence was in Newport, Herkimer County, and it was here that Edwin F. grew to manhood.  In 1858 he came to East Otto and Oct. 10, 1860, married Elizabeth, daughter of Darius PRATT.  Sept. 2, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Cav.  He was first duty-sergeant and was in the siege of Yorktown, after which he was taken sick with fever and sent to the hospital at Baltimore, whence he was discharged by order of the War Department.  In the fall of 1864 he re-enlisted in the same regiment and was assigned to Co. D, was detailed as drill-sergeant at Pleasant Valley remount camp, joined the regiment Dec. 1st, and was in the raids and battles during the winter of 1864-65.  In the spring he was sent back to remount camp with crippled horses and was there detailed as provost-sergeant and afterward to assist Quartermaster Bean in selling horses and other supplies.  He was mustered out June 1, 1865.  In 1876 he was appointed keeper in Auburn prison and held that position three years and four months.  He has been justice of the peace in East Otto fourteen years.  Children: Luella, born June 20, 1861, died Aug. 12, 1874, and Maggie J., born Oct. 17, 1874, married James MILLS in 1888.  Mr. BEEBE is one of three brothers who served their country during the Civil war.  George H. BEEBE was in the 65th N. Y. Regiment and Silas T. BEEBE was captain in the 152d N. Y. Inf., serving four years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 554 & 555

 

Surnames:  BRADLEY, MORROW

 

Levi BRADLEY was born in Vermont, July 18, 1798, and died Dec. 4, 1877.  After his marriage in 1827 he came to East Otto and settled on a farm, and for many years was a respected member of the Baptist church.   His second wife was Betsey, daughter of James MORROW, of East Otto, whom he married. Aug. 9, 1853, and who survived him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 555

 

Surnames:  BURCHARD, BARNES, MILKS, GAMPP, DARLING, WELLS

 

Joseph BURCHARD came from Massachusetts about 1821 and died here two or three years later.  His son, Joseph BURCHARD, Jr., was born in Williamstown, Mass., in 1797, and emigrated to this town in 1828, where be died in 1867.  His wife, Martha BURCHARD, was born in Massachusetts in 1793 and died in 1875.  To them were born eighteen children, seven of whom lived to maturity: Edwin, Hiram, Mary and Martha (twins), Caroline, Clark, and Adaline; of these Caroline (Mrs. Surlanty BARNES) and Clark are living.  Clark BURCHARD was born in East Otto, Jan. 8, 1833.  On the 8th of May, 1859 he married Calista, daughter of Benjamin MILKS, an early settler of Otto.  Children: Charles E., born Dec. 29, 1860, died May 1, 1863; Mara Eleanor, born April 7, 1862, married Abram GAMPP; Edith Sophia (Mrs. Edgar DARLING), born Dec. 27, 1864; Grace A., born May 7, 1869, (Mrs. Isaac GAMPP); Ida jean. born May 5, 1874, died Nov. 15, 1886; and Beatrice A. E., born Jan. 14, 1877. Mr. BURCHARD owns the farm on which Horace WELLS, the first settler in East Otto, originally located, his buildings standing in the village. he has been elected to several official positions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 555

 

Surnames:  COLVIN, KRUSE, LINCOLN, ZEILMAN, GAMPP

 

John C. COLVIN was born in East Otto, April 11, 1833.  He is of New England lineage; his grandfather, Ephraim COLVIN, was born in Coventry, R. I., Dec. 14, 1764, and afterward settled in Wardsboro, Vt., where Samuel COLVIN, the father of John C., was born Feb. 14, 1794.  He was also the father of seven other sons and two daughters.  In 1832 Samuel came from Vermont to East Otto and in 1833 settled in the west part of the town on the same farm on which he now resides.  Here he spent the remainder of his days, rearing a family of seven sons and five daughters, of whom six sons and one daughter are yet living.  About the same time he came, three of his brothers and his two sisters also settled in town and another brother in an adjoining town.  John C. has always resided on the farm on which he was born.  Jan. 1, 1867, he married Sophia, daughter of Ernest KRUSE, of Ashford.  Children: Emily (Mrs. Heman LINCOLN), Nellie (Mrs. George ZEILMAN), Anna (Mrs. H. GAMPP), Cyril, Grace, and Elmer (deceased).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 555 & 556

 

Surnames:  DOW, DOUGLAS, WEBER, DUDLEY, FLECKENSTEIN

 

Benjamin DOW emigrated from England about 1635, soon thereafter settling in Stonington, Conn., and here Daniel DOW, his lineal descendant, was born April 22, 1771.  His wife, Mrs. Susannah DOUGLAS DOW, was born in Voluntown (now Sterling), Conn., Nov. 23, 1777.  The name of DOUGLAS comes down from an early period in Scotch history, when the name and degree of knighthood was conferred upon a cavalier for valor in saving the life of his king.  In 1640 Dea. William DOUGLAS came to America and located in New London, Conn., and for two centuries his descendants have been in possession of lands previously owned by him.  Daniel DOW and Susannah DOUGLAS were married March 28, 1799, in Voluntown, Conn., and here John DOW was born Feb. 11, 1809.  His parents moved to this State in 1815 and the youthful days of Mr. DOW were passed in the counties of Dutchess, Columbia, and Otsego.  April 18, 1833, he married Eliza, daughter of Michael WEBER, and the same year came to East Otto and settled on a farm.  In 1855 he buried his wife and Sept. 11, 1855, married Maria A., daughter of John DUDLEY.  By his first marriage he had three sons and four daughters; Daniel M., William C., James E. and Gertrude M. are living.  By his second wife he had one daughter, Belle (Mrs. C. H. FLECKENSTEIN), with whom Mr. DOW now makes his home, his second wife having died Jan. 15, 1886.  Mr. DOW was active in military affairs and was successively promoted from sergeant to Major.  He has held a number of offices of trust and responsibility and for many years has been a deacon in the Congregational church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 556

 

Surname:  EVERTS

 

Samuel C. EVERTS came to East Otto in 1834 and for seventeen years was one of the deacons of the Presbyterian church.  He was born in Massachusetts, July 5, 1805, and acquired his education at Lenox Academy.  In 1851 he moved with his family to Illinois.  One of his sons, Louis H., attained the rank of major in the Rebellion and afterward became a prominent publisher.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 556

 

Surnames:  GALLOWAY, WHITE

 

Cyrus and Jacob GALLOWAY, brothers, came from New Jersey to this State and in 1823 located in Mansfield.  Cyrus GALLOWAY came with his wife and four children, to which were subsequently added four more, making in all one daughter and seven sons.  Ozias P., next to the youngest of the children, was born Oct. 6, 1829, and obtained his education in the district school.  In 1847 he came with his father to East Otto, where he has since resided.  His father died in 1851.  On the 17th of March, 1859, he married Mary O. WHITE, adopted daughter of Jacob WHITE, of Otto.  Martin V. B. GALLOWAY, a younger brother and single gentleman, resides with them.  Mr. GALLOWAY has been assessor twelve years.  He is engaged in the poultry business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 556

 

Surnames:  GAMPP, NEFF, CAPRON

 

Jacob GAMPP was born in Boston, Erie County, July 9, 1844.  His father, George GAMPP, emigrated from Germany a short time previous to Jacob's birth, whose schooling was limited to common schools in the English language.  The war of the Rebellion opened just as he came of age for military duty, and on the 9th of Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 116th N. Y. Vol. Inf., for three years.  The regiment was stationed at Baltimore until about December, and while there detachments were sent into Pennsylvania to oppose Gen. Stewart's cavalry raid.  In December they were sent to Ship Island in the Gulf of Mexico and landed at New Orleans about the 1st of January, 1863.  He was in the battle of Plain Store, May 21, 1863; in the siege of Port Hudson from May 27th to July 8th and under, fire forty-seven days; in the battles of Cox's Plantation, July 13, 1863; at Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864; at Pleasant Hill, April 9, and Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864; and at Fisher's Hill, Sept. 22, and Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864.  He was discharged at Washington on June 26, 1865.  After the war he took up his residence in Ashford and in 1873 commenced the manufacture of cheese in company with A. B. NEFF.  In 1884 they dissolved partnership and with his brothers Mr. GAMPP bought four factories in East Otto, where he has since resided.  He has also bought the interests of his brothers, and now in his four factories receives the milk from nearly all the cows in the town.  In the fall of 1890 he made the largest cheese on record.  It took one day's milk from 3,400 cows, the milk weighing about 40,000 pounds and the cheese 4,500 pounds.  The cheese was sold for sixteen cents per pound.  Mr. GAMPP married, Feb. 6, 1867, Almira, daughter of Joseph CAPRON, of Ashford.  Children: Henry E., Maron F., two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 556 & 557

 

Surnames:  HAMELE, SCHINGLER

 

John HAMELE was born at Wendlingen, Wurtemburg, Germany, June 22, 1849.  His father, Freidrich, was a farmer; his mother, Katherina, died when he was but a few months old.  John lived on the farm and went to school till the age of fourteen and was then apprenticed for three years to learn harness making and upholstering.  Completing his apprenticeship he became a journeyman and traveled over a considerable part of Europe.  Leaving Wurtemburg he passed through Baden, Alsace, Switzerland, Bavaria, and Austria to Wien, where he remained six months working at his trade.  Thence he went to Hungary, but soon turned back into Styria, where he worked for eighteen months.  He then passed through the principal towns to Trieste, Carinthia, and the Tyrol, crossing the Alps to Baden and the Rhine province to Frankenthal, through Bavaria and Saxony into Silesia, back to Berlin, through the smaller German States into Switzerland, to Zurich, to Interlachen, and in June, 1870, was called on to enter the army.  In his journeying about Europe he visited the interesting and historic cities of Stuttgard, Carlsruhe, Strasburg, Freiburg, Basle, Bern, Lucerne, Zurich, Stein Augsberg, Munich, Linz, Wien, Gratz, Laibach, Trieste, Mannheim, Mayence, Frankfort-on-Main, Wurzburg, Chemnitz, Dresden, Gorlitz, Leipsic, Magdeburg, Gottingen, Cassel, Coblenz, Bern-Neufchatel, and many smaller towns.  He served in the 22d Uhlans through the Franco-German war under Prince Freidrich (the Prussians' Unser Fritz).  Upon the expiration of his term of military service he came to America, locating at Springville, N. Y.  In March, 1875, he removed to East Otto, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness, etc.  Feb. 9, 1875, he married Elizabeth SCHINGLER, who was born in Boston, N. Y., March 25, 1848.  Children – Otto, born June 22, 1876; Utmer, April 16, 1878; Amelia, Dec. 16, 1883 ; and John, July 22, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 557

 

Surnames:  HAMMOND, FOLTS, SCOTT, WILLIAMS

 

Joseph HAMMOND came into this town about 1823 and settled in the north part on land now known as the Fry farm.  His son Samuel was then only thirteen years old; upon attaining his majority he articled from the land office land about two miles south from Cattaraugus creek, which remained in his possession till his death.  He married Mary FOLTS in 1832 and commenced clearing up his farm, on which William HAMMOND was born Nov. 7, 1834, and here he enjoyed such school privileges as the early settlements afforded.  After attaining the age of twenty-one years he purchased 162 acres of land adjoining his father's farm, and in Jan., 1857, married Mary E., daughter of J. J. SCOTT, of East Otto.  They lived on his farm until 1890, when he moved to East Otto village and since 1892 has kept the only hotel in town.  Children: a son and daughter, deceased, Sarah E. (Mrs. Elmer D. WILLIAMS), and William S.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 557

 

Surnames:  HAWKINS, CLARK, PHILBRICK

 

Daniel HAWKINS was born in 1822 in St. Lawrence County.  In 1839 he came to Collins, Erie County, having for two years previous lived in Canada.  In 1847 he built a saw-mill in the north part of Otto, where he resided until 1861, when he bought mills in Collins and manufactured lumber, shingles, and cheese boxes until 1871, when he moved to East Otto and built the steam mill in the west part of town known as the swamp mill.  In 1876 he built a stave-mill in New Albion and in 1880 he erected the steam mills in East Otto village, putting in a grist-mill in addition to the lumbering business.  He has a steam mill in Otto village and also one in the north part of East Otto.  Mr. HAWKINS has disposed of all his mill property except the last three mentioned, which he still continues to operate, manufacturing in them large quantities of rough and dressed lumber, shingles, and cheese boxes.  In 1877 he married Mrs. Orrilla CLARK, his present wife; he has by a former wife two daughters and one son (Franklin).  Mrs. HAWKINS has one son, Roswell PHILBRICK, of East Otto, by her first husband, Hon. Franklin PHILBRICK.  Mr. HAWKINS is recognized as the veteran lumberman of this section of the county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 557 & 558

 

Surnames:  LAING, PIERCE, ELLSWORTH, PRATT, EDDY

 

John LAING was born in Hebron Washington County, Feb. 6, 1812.  His father, Adam LAING, was a captain in the War of 1812 and a farmer by occupation.  John enjoyed only common school privileges.  In Aug., 1841, he purchased a stock of goods and came to East Otto, where he has since continued, being probably the oldest merchant in Cattaraugus county doing business in the same locality.  In the fall of 1842 he married Minerva, daughter of Sylvester PIERCE, of East Otto.  They have two sons and two daughters; they buried one son and one daughter while quite young, and one son, Frank, was fatally injured in a railroad accident, dying aged thirty-four years.  Those living are Hon. Solon S., of Salamanca; J. W., in company with his father; Mrs. C. B. PIERCE, of Otto; and Mrs. V. A. ELLSWORTH, of East Otto.  Mr. LAING ever since his residence in East Otto has been one of the leading citizens of the town.  Politically he has acted with the Democratic party, which has at all times been considerably in the minority, but notwithstanding that fact he has for eight years been elected a member of the Board of Supervisors of Cattaraugus county (three years from Otto and five years from East Otto).  Hon. Solon S. LAING was supervisor from East Otto four years.

 

Stephen LAING was born in Hebron, Washington County, April 5, 1818.  He followed farming till 1847, when he came to East Otto and soon after engaged in the mercantile business with his brother John, and for nearly twenty years the brothers carried on a successful trade.  In 1866 he sold his interest to his brother and since then has been occupied chiefly in attending to his farming interests.  He married, Feb. 1, 1849, Arvilla, daughter of Philip PRATT, who for many years was a prominent dealer in cattle, and who died in Jan., 1893, at the age of eighty-four years.  Children: two daughters, deceased; Owen S., of East Otto; Fremont C., of Buffalo; Hon. Philip A., also of Buffalo; Stephen A.; and Dora (Mrs. Marcellus PIERCE).  Mr. LAING has represented his town three terms on the Board of Supervisors and has been justice of the peace several years.  For nearly fifty years the LAING's have been a power in East Otto, politically, socially, and executively.

 

Owen S. LAING was born in East Otto, Jan. 20, 1850.  He has been bucolic in his pursuits and stuck to the soil.  Dec. 10, 1873, he married Alice R., daughter of Elisha C. EDDY (see Mansfield), who was born Dec. 8, 1851.  They have a beautiful home, so situated as to afford a splendid view of the village and valley.  Although quite prominent politically as well as socially he has seldom held office, because his party – Democratic – is in a minority.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 557 & 558

 

Surnames:  LARABEE; GRANT, SCOVEL, LANGMADE

 

Fayette C. LARABEE was born in East Otto, March 13, 1847.  His grandfather, Eleazer LARABEE, came from Hamburg, Erie county, about 1823, and with him came also about the same time five sons and four daughters, four of the sons – Miner, Thomas Nathan, and Ira – being married and bringing their families.  Eleazer LARABEE was born Aug. 31, 1756, and died Jan. 29, 1837; his wife, Mary (GRANT) LARABEE, was born Sept. 15, 1767, and died May 28, 1835.  Sidney L. LARABEE, the youngest of the five sons and father of Fayette C., was born in Oneida county April 2, 1805; his wife, Lorinda (SCOVEL) LARABEE, was born in Orwell, Vt., Feb. 15, 1810; they were married Sept. 16,1827.  Hezekiah SCOVEL, the father of Mrs. LARABEE, had settled in town in 1822.  In 1840 Sidney LARABEE located on the farm where Fayette C. now lives, which has been in the possession of the family for fifty-three years.  Here he resided till his death June 6, 1875.  He was the father of six daughters and six sons, of whom but two sons and one daughter are now living.  Fayette C. LARABEE married, Dec. 21, 1869, Abbie T., daughter of Rev. N. F. LANGMADE, a Baptist clergyman of this county.  They have one son, C. Rossie, born Dec. 22, 1880.  After the death of Mr. LARABEE's father his mother was cared for by him till her death Oct. 12, 1890.  In the earlier history of the town the LARABEEs composed quite a proportion of the inhabitants; it is said there were at one time about thirty voters by that name, but at the present time Fayette C. and his family are the only representatives of the name left.  His only remaining brother, Nathan, is a farmer in Otto and his only sister resides in the west.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 559

 

Surnames:  LINCOLN, MARSH, COLVIN

 

Heman P. LINCOLN was born in Grafton, Vt., Dec. 20, 1866.  His father, George T. LINCOLN, was born in the same town June 26, 1836; his mother's maiden name was Clarissa J., daughter of Dudley P. MARSH.  When Heman M. was but three months old his parents came to East Otto.  His father was a farmer and the son followed the same calling till 1890, when the two engaged in the grocery and provision trade at East Otto village.  His father's health soon after failing, he purchased the entire business and continues it.  May 18, 1892, he married Emily L., daughter of John COLVIN, of East Otto.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 559

 

Surnames:  LINCOLN, SCOBEY

 

William Z. LINCOLN is a son of L. L. LINCOLN and was born in East Otto, May 28, 1838.  The father came to this town at an early day and subsequently moved to Hinsdale.  William Z. devoted his life to farming, but gave some attention to public affairs, representing his town on the Board of Supervisors in 1886, 1887, and 1888.  He married Louisa A., daughter of Alexander SCOBEY, and both were members of the Baptist church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 559

 

Surnames:  MASON, IRISH, ANWERTER

 

Charles H. MASON was born Oct. 27, 1860, in East Otto.  His great-grandfather, Benjamin MASON, and his grandfather, David Tyler MASON, came to the town about 1825.  Benjamin MASON died in 1866, aged eighty-four years; David T. MASON died in 1890, aged seventy-eight years.  Charles T. MASON, the father of Charles H, was born in East Otto, April 30, 1840, and resided here till 1881, when he removed to Franklinville.  While living in East Otto he was for a number of years justice of the peace and was also justice of sessions.  Charles H. MASON's boyhood days and school privileges were confined to his native town.  He married, Sept. 8, 1881, Bertha G. B., only daughter of A. A. IRISH, of Otto.  Nov. 20, 1890, she died.  Mr. MASON lived three years at Franklinville, moving there in 1883; the rest of his life has been spent in East Otto, where he followed farming till 1892, when he bought the hardware store of F. W. Holmes.  Dec. 6, 1892, he married Mary ANWERTER of Concord.  He has one son, Roscoe Dee, by his first wife.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 559

 

Surnames:  MATTESON, PERKINS

 

Girvase A. MATTESON was born in Russia, Herkimer County, Dec. 28, 1857.  His father, Almirin B. MATTESON, came to East Otto in 1867.  In addition to other school privileges G. A. attended Griffith Institute two years, taking the first two years a college course in mathematics, intending at that time to follow civil engineering.  He commenced teaching school at the age of eighteen and taught ten terms, and has to some extent been engaged in land surveying.  He married Nellie M. PERKINS, March 3, 1880; she is a daughter of John L. PERKINS and granddaughter of John PERKINS, who was for about fifty years one of the prominent and wealthy citizens of East Otto.  They have two sons.  In 1881 Mr. MATTESON. engaged in the insurance business.  He has been town clerk four years and is now serving his second term as supervisor, being elected in 1893 by the unprecedented majority of 112.  He is also postmaster of East Otto, which office he held during Harrison's administration.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 559 & 560

 

Surnames:  ORR, RUSH, KRUSE

 

Cyrus ORR, the father of George F., came from Cortland County in 1833 and located in the northwest part of East Otto, where he resided until his death in 1855.  He left four sons and two daughters.  George F., the oldest, was born Nov. 13, 1842.  His early years were spent on his father's farm with common school privileges and Sept. 2, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 9th N. Y. Cav., was mustered in Sept. 9, and remained in remount camp, Pleasant Valley, Md., and on detached service till Dec., when he joined the regiment near Winchester and was with it in all the actions and raids in the Shenandoah valley during the winter of 1864-65.  In the Gordonsville raid he received injuries by his horse falling on him.  He was mustered out June 1, 1865.  Sept. 19, 1866, he married Mary, daughter of George RUSH.  They have one daughter, Isa (Mrs. E. F. KRUSE).  For about twenty years Mr. ORR has been engaged in wagon and carriage manufacturing in East Otto village, where he resides.  He is drawing a pension for disabilities received in the army.  John W. ORR, a brother of George F., was a member of Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was killed at Antietam on Sept. 18, 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 560

 

Surnames:  PERKINS, MATTESON, ZEILMAN

 

Everett H. PERKINS was born in East Otto, Dec. 6, 1862.  His grandfather, John PERKINS, was born in Vermont, July 15, 1810, and came to this town in 1833, where for many years he was prominent in all matters relating to its business, social, and moral interests.  He was an earnest member of the M. E. church and gave largely of his means to sustain its educational and benevolent interests.  He died Oct. 15, 1891.  John L. PERKINS, the father of Everett H., was the only one of six children who lived to attain their majority; he was born Sept. 23, 1836.  He was supervisor two terms (1865-66) and justice of the peace a number of years.   His death occurred Nov. 5, 1868.  He left a widow and four children, only two of whom are now living: Everett H. and his sister, Mrs. G. A. MATTESON.  The mother died Nov. 20, 1885.  Everett H. PERKINS married, Nov. 20, 1884, Mary, daughter of John ZEILMAN, of Ashford.  They have two daughters.  Mr. PERKINS owns the homestead farm

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 560

 

Surnames:  PHILBRICK, HAWKINS, DEWEY

 

Roswell P. PHILBRICK was born in Persia, Aug. 15, 1864.  His father, Hon. Franklin PHILBRICK, was a prominent citizen of that town, in which he occupied responsible official positions.  In 1861 he represented the Second Assembly District of Cattaraugus county in the State Legislature, making an honorable record both for his district and himself; he was supervisor of Dayton in 1854 and 1856.  In 1865 he removed to Erie county, where he died when Roswell P. was fourteen months old.  The mother of Roswell P. (now Mrs. Daniel HAWKINS) gave him, in addition to the school privileges of Angola village, several terms of school in Buffalo and a three months course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College.  Sept. 14, 1885, he married Alice E., daughter of T. M. DEWEY, one of the old residents of East Otto, he having previously come to this town, took up his residence in the village, and in 1888 engaged in the furniture and undertaking business.  Jan. 10, 1893, his wife died.  He is serving his fifth consecutive term as town clerk of East Otto.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 560

 

Surnames:  RANKE, WOLF, LANGHAUS

 

Edward RANKE was born in East Otto, Oct. 23, 1864.  In 1853 his father, John RANKE, emigrated from Germany; he was a native of Mechlenberg, Schwerein, and was born May 12, 1827.  About one year after his arrival in America he came to East Otto, where he finally purchased a large farm in the southeast corner of the town.  He married, in 1953, Dora, daughter of Henry WOLF, of this town; they have three sons and three daughters, all married but one daughter.  Edward RANKE was educated both in German and English schools, and married, Oct. 22, 1888, Augusta, daughter of John LANGHAUS, of Ellicottville.  They have a son and an infant daughter.  Mr. RANKE has purchased the homestead, on which he keeps a large dairy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 560 & 561

 

Surnames:  RICE, PINDAR

 

Hon. Elijah A. RICE was one of the foremost pioneers of Cattaraugus county.  Such a mighty influence did he exert on subsequent generations that his name shines with peculiar luster on the pages of history.  No citizen ever gave his community a healthier energy, a wider influence, a purer patriotism.  A man of good address he was an interesting speaker, a brilliant conversationalist, an active temperance advocate, and a sterling exponent of thorough education.  His little locality furnished to the world more eminent men than any similar area of terra firma in the county, and it was due to his own high principles and moral worth that so much was accomplished.  Lawyers, governors, physicians, soldiers, and statesmen went forth into the world from his community as shining lights of his great energy and unparalleled influence.  Mr. RICE, although a farmer by occupation, devoted much of his life to land surveying, and so great was his skill in this profession that his word was considered as paramount authority.  He was the ultimate arbitrator for many years in numerous cases involving boundaries and land controversies, and his decisions were never questioned.  As a surveyor he was employed by the Holland Land Company and its successors and by Nicholas Devereux.

 

Mr. RICE was born in Shaftsbury, Vt., Sept. 20, 1795.  Orphaned at an early age he removed to Washington county, N. Y., and lived with a relative until 1809.  He then started in life alone.  By economy and perseverance he gained a good classical education and mastered land surveying.  He volunteered in the War of 1812 and participated in the battle of Plattsburgh, and in 1818 he moved to Herkimer county.  In 1819 he removed to Otsego county, where he surveyed and laid out the now celebrated village of Richfield Springs.  In 1823 he came to Cattaraugus county on a visit, which he repeated in 1824 and 1825, each time on foot, and in the latter year located a farm in East Otto and erected a log house.  In the spring of 1826 he brought his family hither and continued his residence in this county until his removal to Wisconsin in 1854.  He subsequently moved to Minnesota.  Mr. RICE was school commissioner of Cattaraugus county seven years and represented his district in the State Legislature in 1842 and again in 1846.  His four sons were lawyers and attained positions of prominence and responsibility.  His only daughter married Rev. William E. PINDAR of the M. E. church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 561

 

Surnames:  SAFFORD, GAMPP, ARMSTRONG

 

Pearl P. SAFFORD was born in Windham county, Conn., Aug. 25, 1837.  His father, Halsey SAFFORD, came to East Otto in 1839 and located on the farm where Pearl P. now resides, and which has always remained in the family.  Halsey SAFFORD was the first person to start a cheese factory in East Otto; he erected the large factory at the village about 1867 now belonging to Jacob GAMPP, and manufactured cheese several years, but subsequently sold the factory and moved back to his farm.  He was supervisor (in 1868) and commissioner of highways.  His death occurred in 1885; his wife died in 1890, aged seventy-three years.  Children: Pearl P. and John.  Pearl P. has since his majority continued to live on the homestead farm.  He married, Feb. 16, 1859, Eliza C., daughter of Jedediah ARMSTRONG.  Children: a daughter who died in infancy; Addison H., who resides on the homestead; Charles E., a carpenter in East Otto village; and Harry M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 561 & 562

 

Surnames:  SCOTT, BULLIS, HAMMOND, HAWKINS

 

Wilber L. SCOTT's ancestry dates back to Connecticut, whence his great-grandfather, Justus SCOTT, emigrated to Wallingford, Vt., where he was one of the first settlers, and where, in 1799, Justus SCOTT, the grandfather of W. L., was born.  In 1816 Justus SCOTT came to Springville, Erie County, where Justus J. SCOTT was born May 14, 1818, being the first child born there.  About 1830 he came with his father to East Otto, where he became a prosperous farmer and was for a number of years a magistrate of the town.  He died suddenly in Cattaraugus village in 1865.  His widow, who is still living, was Catharine, daughter of Dr. Levi BULLIS, an early physician in East Otto.  Children: Mary E. (Mrs. William HAMMOND), born in 1838; Marshall E., born May 10, 1842, who served three years in the 9th N, Y. Cav.; and Wilber L., born Dec. 21, 1848.  Besides the privileges of the district school W. L. attended several terms at Griffith Institute at Springville, and Feb. 25, 1874, he married Eliza, daughter of John HAWKINS.  Mr. SCOTT was a plumber and tinner fifteen years, living part of the time in Salamanca and six years in Cattaraugus village, and about two years ago he bought the homestead on which he was born.  Children: Elbert J., born Feb. 16, 1876; Adams H., born June 6, 1877; and Frank W., born March 3, 1880.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 562

 

Surnames:  SIKES, SCOVEL, EDMUNDS, TORRANCE, BROWN

 

Ladore V. and Stillman R. SIKES are sons of Hiram SIKES, who came from Washington, Mass., to East Otto in 1831.  The lineage of the family is traced back to Richard SIKES, who was born in London, England, about the year 1600, and who came to America not far from 1640; from him descended in the following order Jonathan SIKES, Jonathan SIKES, Jr., Posthumas SIKES, Stephen SIKES, and Shadrach SIKES, the father of Hiram.  Hiram SIKES was born Feb. 12, 1811, in Massachusetts, settled in East Otto in 1831, married Lodema SCOVEL on March 3, 1836, and resided here till his death Sept. 6, 1886.  He had five sons and one daughter; but three of them are living, viz.: Ladore V., born July 8, 1849; Stillman R., born July 8, 1851; and Elton, born March 28, 1854.  Ladore V. SIKES married, Jan. 7, 1875, Emily EDMUNDS, who died June 3, 1876; on the 2d day of April, 1878, he married Rhoda J. TORRANCE, his present wife.  By his first marriage he has one son, Ceylon; by his second wife he has two sons, John and Lester, and one daughter, Lodema.  He resides about three miles southeast of East Otto village, where he has a sawmill.  Stillman R. SIKES married Frances A., daughter of T. Frank BROWN, March 3, 1875.  They have one son, Ferry, and one daughter.  Mr. SIKES resides in East Otto village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 562

 

Surnames:  SLOCUM, WICKHAM, PRATT, HARRISON

 

Nathan J. SLOCUM was born in Herkimer county April 13, 1834.  In 1843 his father, John SLOCUM, came to East Otto and in 1844 settled on a farm in the northwest part of the town, which has remained in possession of the family to the present time.  He had seven daughters and six sons, of whom six daughters and five sons are living.  Mr. SLOCUM died Sept. 16, 1877; his wife survives him.  In Aug. 1861, Nathan J. SLOCUM enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf., for three years, and on the 23d of Sept. was mustered in at Elmira.  He was at the siege of Yorktown, was taken sick on the march from Williamsburg towards Richmond, and did not participate in the battle of Fair Oaks; was in the Seven Days Fight, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam, previous to which he had been detailed to General Richardson's headquarters as cook.  General Richardson being killed at Antietam he again joined the regiment and was in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and to Petersburg, where he was discharged Sept. 23, 1864.  After the battle of Fair Oaks, while on picket duty, his left cheek was grazed by a bullet from a rebel sharpshooter.  He married, Sept. 28, 1865, Emma E., daughter of James WICKHAM, of East Otto; children: Nellie R. (Mrs. Albert PRATT), of Dunkirk, and William J., who married Helen M., daughter of John HARRISON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 562 & 563

 

Surnames:  TEFFT, DEWEY, NILES, STEELE

 

Alexander TEFFT, son of Oliver and Deborah (DEWEY) TEFFT, was born in Rhode Island, July 19, 1784, and came to East Otto in 1828, dying here in 1868.  He was a farmer and as well a Freewill Baptist preacher; his wife was Deborah, daughter of Nathaniel and Deborah (NILES) NILES, and their children were Nathaniel Niles, Alexander, Samuel, Deborah A., Dewey, Polly, Oliver D., and Olive.  The latter married Solomon STEELE and has been a preacher in the Free Methodist church for several years, ministering to congregations of that denomination in a number of towns in Cattaraugus County.  Dewey TEFFT was a Free Methodist minister for twenty years and died in this town January 8, 1892.  Nathaniel Niles TEFFT was born Aug. 12, 1814, and acquired considerable fame as a surveyor.  He served East Otto as supervisor in 1867 and 1872.  Alexander TEFFT held several offices of trust, and besides was a writer of no mean ability; his productions comprised both poetry and prose.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 563

 

Surnames:  TUTHILL, GUERNSEY, PETTY

 

Harvey TUTHILL traces his lineage back several generations.  His great-grandfather, John TUTHILL, was born on Long Island, Sept. 8, 1742; his grandfather, Samuel TUTHILL, was born May 17, 1768; and his father, Samuel TUTHILL, Jr., was born in Windham county, Vt., May 29, 1797.  He married, Oct. 17, 1822, Sarah GUERNSEY, a descendant of the ancient titled GUERNSEY families of England.  Previous to his marriage Mr. TUTHILL had been to East Otto, selected a farm, and cleared a small piece of land; after his marriage he, with his wife, started for their wilderness home, where they arrived Jan. 23, 1823.  About two years later he located on the farm now owned by Harvey TUTHILL, where he resided till his death.  Mr. TUTHILL was for many years a prominent citizen of the town, holding several offices of trust and responsibility.  He and his wife were constituent members of the Baptist church, of which he was chosen one of its first deacons in 1825.  He left a family of two sons and two daughters.  Col. Henry G. TUTHILL raised a company in Nunda in 1861, joined the 104th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was a brave and efficient officer through the war.  He was wounded at Antietam, and at Gettysburg was shot through the groin and still carries the ball in his body.  He is an architect in Corning.  Miss Anna TUTHILL is a graduate of the Art Department of Cooper Union, New York city.  She taught that branch of education four years in Freehold University, New Jersey, was engaged in the same department three years in Deland University in Deland, Fla., and is now teaching in McFerrin College in Martin, Tenn.  She was in Charleston, S. C., when Fort Sumter was bombarded.  Harvey TUTHILL was born in East Otto, Oct. 27, 1835, on the farm on which he now lives, and where he has always made his home.  He obtained his education in the district school and Sept. 4, 1881, married Jennie E. PETTY, of Burlington, Vt., daughter of Rev. McKendree PETTY, A.M., a clergyman of the M. E. church and professor of mathematics and natural history in Vermont University.  Mr. TUTHILL is a leading member of the Baptist church, having been deacon nineteen years and has been sixteen years justice of the peace.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 563

 

Surnames:  UTLEY, BROWN, BROOKS

 

Rodney C. UTLEY was born in Pawlet, Vt., July 22, 1823.  He is the youngest son of Capt. Leonard UTLEY, who came to East Otto in 1835 with his family of four sons and three daughters and settled on a farm in the north part of the town, afterward owned by his son, Leonard S. UTLEY.  He died in 1862.  There are now living of the family the three daughters and Rodney C.  The latter married. April 23, 1848, Malvina, daughter of James L. BROWN, who died March 14, 1867.  He married, second, Electa A., daughter of Philo BROOKS, of Otto, Feb. 3, 1871.  By his first marriage he had two daughters and one son; by his second wife he has three sons and one daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Pages 563 & 564

 

Surnames:  WHITMEYER, KERN

 

Nicholas WHITMEYER was born in France, July 4, 1844, and in 1856, in company with an older brother and two sisters, he came to America and settled in Boston, Erie County.  In 1859 he came to Otto, where he worked till the summer of 1861, and on the 16th of Aug. enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf., for three years.  He was in the battle of Fair Oaks and in the Seven Days' Fight, where he was prostrated by sunstroke and sent to the hospital.  After partially recovering he was detailed to guard duty and stationed on Governor Wise's farm.  He joined his regiment in June 1863 and was in the battle of Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, where on May 12, 1864 he received a bayonet wound in his arm and while in the hospital was taken prisoner the next morning by the Black Horse Cavalry, but escaped during the night of the 13th and lay in hiding all the 14th, partly in the water of the North Anna river.  He crossed the river just before night, but was discovered and shot at a number of times, escaped, and reached the Union lines about two o'clock next morning.  He was again sent to the hospital and rejoined his regiment at Cold Harbor, was in the siege of Petersburg, and was present at the surrender of General Lee, having re-enlisted in the winter of 1863-64.  He was mustered out at Elmira in July, 1865.  In July 1866, he married Catharine, daughter of John KERN, of Eden, Erie County; they lived in Erie county ten years and in the town of Otto thirteen years, and since 1888 have resided in East Otto village, where he carries on a meat market.  They have three daughters and three sons living and a son and a daughter deceased.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of East Otto – Chapter XXIV (24)

Page 564

 

Surname:  WILLIAMS

 

Lyman WILLIAMS came from Vermont to East Otto about 1830, at which time his son, Solomon WILLIAMS, the father of Dr. Elmer D., was about two years old.  He afterward located permanently in Mansfield, where he was for many years a prominent citizen and substantial farmer, and where he resided till his death.  Solomon WILLIAMS passed nearly all of his active life in Mansfield and died in 1887.  His son, Dr. Elmer D. WILLIAMS, is the oldest of one brother and two sisters.  See Medical chapter, page 124.

 

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TOWN OF ELKO

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Elko – Chapter XXV (25)

Page 569

 

Surnames: BARTON, FARGO, CASKEY, MORRISON, HILL, WILLIAMS

 

Leonard BARTON came to Elko in 1838 and settled on lot 2, where he died July 13, 1891.  His wife, Eveline FARGO, of Gerry, Chautauqua county, is still living;  their children were James S., of Quaker Bridge; Elizabeth D. (Mrs. Gideon CASKEY) of Frewsburg, Chautauqua county; Frank M.; Charles M., of Randolph; Edgar A., of Elko; Ella V. (Mrs. Charles MORRISON), of Elko; Clarinda and Celestia (deceased); LaFayette L., of Tennessee; and Loretta E. (Mrs. Frank HILL), of Bradford, Pa.  Frank M. BARTON has served as highway commissioner, school trustee, and assessor, as well as in other capacities of responsibility.  He married Emily M., daughter of George A. WILLIAMS, of Cold Spring.  They have an adopted son, Leo D.   The BARTON family were early and have always been prominent, public-spirited residents of Elko.  The father of Leonard BARTON, James, was an early settler, as were also his sons Chester, Smith, Asher, Joseph, Merrills, Sylvester, and Walter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Elko – Chapter XXV (25)

Page 570

 

Surname:  HOLT

 

Manley D. HOLT came to Elko from Warren county, Pa., about 1873.  He has always been engaged in the lumber business.  Since residing in this town he has manufactured and shipped large quantities, owning both saw and shingle-mills of good capacity.  Although never seeking office, in fact always declining it, he has been elected to several local positions of importance, which he filled with credit.  He resides at Quaker Bridge.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Elko – Chapter XXV (25)

Page 570

 

Surnames:  MORRISON, BROWN, BRADLEY, WRIGHT

 

Ephraim MORRISON was one of the first settlers in South Valley where the village of Onoville now stands.  He was the first innkeeper there and for some time was a justice of the peace.  In politics he was a Whig.  He died in Iowa.  His children were Hiram, Benjamin, William (deceased), Harriet (Mrs. John BROWN, deceased), Rosina (Mrs. Elijah BRADLEY), Ophelia (Mrs. Asa WRIGHT), John, Reuben, and Lafayette.  Benjamin and the last two mentioned reside in Elko.  Benjamin Morrison married a daughter of Zabin WRIGHT, a long-time resident of Quaker run, in which locality Mr. MORRISON has lived since 1872.

 

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TOWN OF ELLICOTTVILLE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 582 & 583

 

Surnames:  ALDRICH, WALKER

 

Thomas R. ALDRICH was born at Quaker Springs, Saratoga county, Oct. 6, 1840.  His father removed to Otsego county soon after his birth and died there in Jan., 1844, leaving his wife without means and with four small children.  Thomas had a home with a friend and an uncle until he became fourteen, and since then he has provided for his own wants.  Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols. May 2, 1863, he received four bulletwounds at the battle of Chancellorsville and was sent to Carver Hospital at Washington, D. C.  He rejoined his regiment at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 11, 1863, and left with it on the 26th for Tennessee, taking part in the battle at Wauhatchie on Oct. 28th.  He was also at Chattanooga and Mission Ridge, and started with his regiment in the march through Georgia with General Sherman, but was wounded and captured at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., May 8, 1864.  May 12th he was a prisoner in Andersonville; Sept. 7th he was transferred to the prison at Savannah and later to Millen, to Blackshear, Ga., and to Florence, S. C., and escaped Feb. 22, 1865 at Wilmington en route for the rebel prison at Salisbury, N. C., re-entering the Union lines reduced to a mere skeleton.  He was sent to Annapolis, was given a furlough, and was honorably discharged June 22, 1865.  In Sept., 1865, he was given a position in the quartermaster's department of the 100th U. S. Colored Infantry at Columbia, Tenn., where he remained until the regiment was mustered out Dec, 30, 1865.  He returned to Cattaraugus county and is now and has been for fifteen years deputy sheriff, has been postmaster of Ellicottville five years, deputy U. S. marshal eight years, and commander of S. C. Noyes Post, No. 232, G. A. R., and of Maybee Tent, No. 23, K. O. T. M., several years. Feb. 2, 1869, he married Maryette WALKER, who died June 29, 1877.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 583

 

Surnames:  ARNOLD, HADLEY, DEVEREUX, YOUNG, FRAZIER, NEUBACHER, LAWTON

 

Samuel P. ARNOLD, born in Londonderry, Vt., about 1798, married Betsey HADLEY, and shortly afterward emigrated to Le Roy, N. Y., coming thence in 1827 to Ellicottville, where he conducted a tannery and had an interest in a shoe shop and furniture establishment.  He was deputy sheriff nine years and represented Ellicottville on the Board of Supervisors in 1853 and 1854.  He was a collector for the Holland Land Company and later for Mr. DEVEREUX.  At one time he owned 1,300 acres of land which he stocked with cattle, being also a heavy dealer in cattle and sheep.  Mr. ARNOLD was an active, energetic business man and a good companion; he was generous and kind to the poor, but never made any display of his virtues.

 

E. Young ARNOLD, son of Samuel, was born in Le Roy, N. Y., May 8, 1826.  April 12, 1859, he married Laura P. YOUNG, of New Albion, daughter of Hon. Horace C. YOUNG.  He has had extensive dealings in cattle in his own county, in Buffalo, and in Canada.  Both he and his wife are great readers.

 

Charles S. ARNOLD, another son of Samuel P. and Betsey E. (HADLEY) ARNOLD, was born in the village of Ellicottville, Feb. 9, 1838.  He attended the common schools and was on his father's farm until he was twenty-eight, when he began farming for himself.  Besides this he is an extensive dealer in cattle and sheep.  In 1859 he married Addie FRAZIER, who bore him one son, Charles E., and one daughter, Nellie (Mrs. Frank NEUBACHER), of Salamanca.  Mrs. ARNOLD died Dec. 10, 1874, and Dec. 16, 1875, Mr. ARNOLD married, second, Emma LAWTON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 583 & 584

 

Surnames:  BALLOU, BARRETT

 

The BALLOU family in America are of Huguenot descent and early settled in Rhode Island with Roger WILLIAMS's colony.  They were lovers of civil liberty, possessed quite a military spirit, and one of the family served in the Revolutionary war.

 

Charles F. BALLOU, son of David and Eliza (BARRETT) BALLOU, natives of Vermont, was born in East Otto in 1840, and in early life taught district schools.  Sept. 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 44th N. Y. Vols., and at Gettsyburg received a severe gunshot-wound and was discharged from the hospital a cripple Dec. 21, 1863.  Returning to his home in Ashford he attempted farming, but was obliged to give it up and entered the New York customs house in the city of New York, becoming finally a grocer in Ellicottville.

 

H. E. BALLOU, son of David and Eliza (BARRETT) BALLOU, was born in East Otto in 1845, and in 1861 enlisted in Co. A, 100th N. Y. Vols., experiencing all the vicissitudes of his regiment, and escaping with only the loss of a piece of skin from his nose.  He had his haversack and canteen shot from his shoulders at the charge on Fort Wagner and the stock from his gun at Fair Oaks; his blouse was several times pierced with bullets.  He was discharged a corporal after a service of three Years and four months, being always on duty and never in the hospital.  Mr. BALLOU returned home with imperfect eyesight.  He is engaged in bee-keeping.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 584

 

Surnames:  BARLOW, BIDEN

 

Rev. Arthur E. BARLOW, a native of Ireland, was born in 1854 and emigrated to America at the age of seventeen years.  He completed his education for the priesthood in Rome, Italy, in 1877, where he was ordained a priest of the Catholic church.  He returned to America, was soon assigned to duty in the profession of his choice, and was appointed pastor of the Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at Ellicottville in 1889.  Father BARLOW is distinguished in his denomination as a sound theologian, and by all who hear him as a gentleman of fine attainments.  He was succeeded in his pastorate here during the present year by Rev. J. D. BIDEN and transferred to a permanent charge in Hornellsville, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 584

 

Surname:  BIRD

 

Alexander BIRD, born in Montgomery county, July 21, 1842 enlisted in Co. G, 154th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 6, 1862, was promoted to corporal, sergeant, sergeant-major, and first lieutenant, and commanded a company as acting captain during the last nine months of the war.  Mr. BIRD fought at Chancellorsville and under General Sherman was in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kingston, Cassville, Pine Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta, marched to the sea, and was engaged at Savannah.  He marched through the Carolinas to Raleigh and was present at General Johnston's surrender.  He marched to Washington by way of Richmond and was discharged at Elmira, N. Y., June 22, 1865.  Being wounded at Rocky Face Ridge he refused to go to the hospital, never asked for nor received a furlough, and was absent from his company only six months on recruiting service by order of the War Department.  In this capacity as well as in the "tented field" he was an able and efficient soldier.  On his return from the army he was a blacksmith twelve years; since then he has conducted a grocery and a meat market.  In the autumn of 1880 he made a tour of all his old battlefields.  From the field of Rocky Face Ridge, where he was wounded, he cut a hickory walking-stick and formed a head for it with a grape shot that he picked up on the field of Resaca.  Mr. BIRD is a Republican.  He had three brothers in the army: William, James, and Alexander.  The aggregate number of battles fought by these four brothers was sixty-one and the sum total of service tendered was eleven years and five months.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 584

 

Surnames:  BLACKALL, KELLY

 

George BLACKALL was born in County Clare, Ireland, and died in this town June 12, 1893, aged 103 years and ten months.  He was a Catholic and had lived in Ellicottville thirty-five years.  He was the father of eighteen children, five of whom survive him, one of them being the wife of Timothy KELLY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 584 & 585

 

Surnames:  BOYCE, BACON, GREEN, LAMB

 

William BOYCE, a native of Massachusetts, married Mary BACON, a native of New England, and in 1830 settled on lot 10 in Ellicottville.  He came from Boston and bought his farm of Allen GREEN, who had lived on it a short time and had made a small improvement.  Three years after he settled here a kind friend in Massachusetts offered Mr. BOYCE a yoke of oxen if he would go and get them.  The present was gladly accepted and he made the entire trip on foot.  Mr., BOYCE died in his native town while there on a visit.  Benjamin F. BOYCE was supervisor of Ellicottville in 1868, but died between the first and second weeks of the session and Rensselaer LAMB filled the office the remainder of the term.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 585

 

Surnames:  BROWN, BUCHFINK

 

Frederick BROWN, Sr., born in Wurttemberg, Germany, in 1831, emigrated in 1853 to America, and was seventy-four days crossing the ocean, landing in New York on July 9th and coming at once to Buffalo.  In 1856 he married Anna Maria BUCHFINK, a German lady who crossed the Atlantic in the ship with him.  In 1863 they settled where they now live.  Mr. BROWN began here with sixty-four acres of primeval forest, which he has changed into cultivated fields and added to it by purchase fifty acres.  He enlisted in Co. A, 188th N. Y. Regt., and was honorably discharged June 1, 1865.  He fought in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, and Appomattox Court House, and is now a pensioner and a member of S. C. Noyes Post, G. A. R.  He has been assessor six years.  Children: Frederick, Jr., Henry J., Anna, Louisa M., and Charles J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 585

 

Surnames:  BRYANT, STAUNTON, WOODARD, VINING, KINGSLEY, BEEBE, WILLIAMS, FRENCH DROWN, SEARL

 

Samuel BRYANT, born in Chesterfield, Mass., Oct. 5, 1781, married Anne STAUNTON, who was born in Northampton, Mass., March 10, 1785.  They settled on Bryant hill, so named in honor of the BRYANT family, leaving New England with their seven children and household goods loaded in a heavy covered wagon drawn by two pairs of oxen and arriving at their home, a log cabin, about 1821.  While on the journey their little son Royal T. fell under the wheels of the wagon and was instantly killed.  They brought with their goods half a bushel of apples, carefully saved the seeds, and planted a nursery which produced the trees of his large orchard, and for several other Orchards in the BRYANT neighborhood.  Mr. BRYANT resided on the farm, where he first settled until his death April 17, 1853; Mrs. BRYANT died June 29, 1869.  Mr. BRYANT was a captain of militia in Massachusetts; he was a prominent citizen in Ellicottville, a member of the Baptist church, and an old line Whig.  They had eleven children, those living to maturity being:

Maria BRYANT, born April 9, 1809 married Alonzo WOODARD

Ursula BRYANT, born April 22, 1810, married Jerold VINING, settled in Kalamazoo, Mich., where she died about 1870

Mary Ann BRYANT, born Feb. 20, 1812, married Nathan KINGSLEY, and died in Ellicottville

Samuel A BRYANT, born March 8, 1814, married Rachel BEEBE

Royal T BRYANT, 2d, born May 29, 1823, died on the homestead Sept. 19, 1844

Louisa F. BRYANT, born March 1, 1825, married Cooley WILLIAMS, and died at about twenty years of age

Amanda M. BRYANT, born April 18, 1827, married Alfred FRENCH, and settled in Lake View, Mich.

Hiram BRYANT, born Nov. 27, 1830, succeeded his father on the homestead. He married, Jan. 3, 1855 Jennette H., daughter of Peter DROWN, who died July 31, 1868, being the mother of these children: Eva A., born Oct. 2, 1858, died July 16, 1884; Freddie A. and Eddie A. (twins), born March 16, 1861; and Warren G., born Sept. 20, 1870. Freddie A. died Oct. 4, 1872. Sept. 20, 1870, Mr. BRYANT married, second, Electa M. SEARL, of Franklinville, who is the mother of two daughters: Bertha L., born Dec. 11, 1874, and Ida J., born Dec, 28, 1 881. Mr. BRYANT is a prominent citizen and a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 585 & 586

 

Surnames:  CASE

 

Charles A. CASE, son of Thomas, was born in Lyndon, Oct. 25, 1851, was educated in school district No. 7 of his native town, at Franklinville Academy, and in a commercial college in Buffalo.  Remaining with his father, a farmer, and assisting in his large business as a dealer in farmers' produce, He began business himself in dealing in livestock, having a large trade in Canada and the west.  He subsequently engaged in life insurance business about two years, when the Bank of Ellicottville was organized and Mr. CASE became its first cashier, a position he has continuously held.  Mr. CASE is a prominent citizen, an affable gentleman, a thorough business man, and a true friend.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 586 & 587

 

Surnames:  CLARKE, THAYER

 

Hon. Staley N. CLARKE – Every epoch of a nation's life produces certain individuals who, by virtue of innate strength of mind and breadth of character, stand above the level of common men, and by them are honored and followed as their benefactors and leaders.  It is not in the higher walks of life alone that such men appear; they stand forth in the by-ways to assist and cheer the toils of their fellows by their example and advice.  Often in the settlement and development of this country such leaders of men have come opportunely to guide the well-being of some struggling colony, and by their purity of life, honesty of purpose, and conscientiousness in the discharge of duty have contributed to the happiness and promoted the welfare of all with broad and generous sympathy.  Identified with the early history and development of the county was Hon. Staley Nichols CLARKE.  Mr. CLARKE was born in Prince George county, Md., May 24, 1794.  At about the age of twenty-one he settled at Buffalo, N. Y., and began his career as a clerk in the Bank of Niagara.  In 1819 he was offered and accepted a clerkship in the office of the Holland Land Company at Batavia, N. Y., where he remained until Jan., 1822, when he was transferred to the office of the company at Ellicottville and appointed as their authorized agent for the county of Cattaraugus.  In this selection of manager the company chose wisely.  His previous service in the office at Batavia had shown that he possessed the qualities requisite to success in the new field to which they desired to send him, and they were quick to discern and prompt in availing themselves of the benefit they would derive from his business capacity.  The result amply justified the trust they reposed in him, and Mr. CLARKE remained the agent of the company until it sold out to the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company.

 

The country was rugged and uninviting and then but sparsely settled. Communication between the different settlements, widely separated by unbroken forests, was slow and difficult, and the settlers at first came but little under the charm of the agent's presence, and hence intimate acquaintanceship was of slow growth.  Those who came to take up the land were, in the main, without capital or resource, except brave hearts and brawny arms, with will as sturdy and purpose as rugged as the surrounding forests and hillsides.  The instinct of self-preservation inspired them to constant watchfulness lest in some way they should be deceived or imposed upon.  They knew their weakness, and for a time they feared the power of the agent.  Better acquaintance, however, disarmed suspicion and revealed to them the true excellence of his character; they came to know him as he was and trusted and respected him.  The settlers came to him for advice and counsel in all the simple affairs of their uneventful lives, and his relations with them soon became paternal.  They confided in and trusted him to a degree quite wonderful, and consistent only with, the fact that they had discovered his merit and read aright his character.  Without judicial authority Mr. CLARKE was for many years the people's chancellor.  To him they came as to an upright judge with their disputes and their contentions.  He listened to their recitals, and his intuitive perception of right and wrong enabled him, to see where justice lay; and so great was their confidence in his wisdom and integrity that his decisions were always respected.  Men left his presence with the conviction strong upon them that if they pursued the course suggested by him they could not go far wrong.

 

His position as between the settlers and the company, whose representative he was, must have been at times a delicate one, not wholly free from embarrassment, and yet, through it all, there was never once the slightest intimation or suspicion of injustice to the one or lack of fidelity to the other.  It is believed that in no case was a settler, if worthy and meritorious, evicted from the land for which he held a contract because of inability to meet promptly his payments.  If to those who held the security further indulgence seemed beyond the limit of business prudence, and foreclosure became imminent, Mr. CLARKE often made the obligation his own, paid the debt to the company, assumed the risk, and carried the burden, thus insuring the settler against oppression and the company against loss; and so at once was generous to the one and just to the other.  In later years, when the condition of the settlers had improved and the gloomy forest had become productive farms; when poverty had given way to modest competence, and to the scant and coarse necessities of life had been added many of its comforts and some of its luxuries; when hard and unremitting toil had been succeeded by some degree of leisure and the pioneers had become independent, self-supporting citizens, they did not forget their friend and benefactor; they were wont to dwell with a fondness amounting almost to devotion upon the unselfish, disinterested, and immeasurable service he had rendered them.  They told their children the story of his life, and his name became a household word and his memory a benediction.

 

Not only by those whom he had befriended was he honored; he was respected and beloved by all men, the affluent, the learned, and the influential.  To the needy, if deserving, he was an unfailing friend; no worthy person in distress ever appealed to him for aid and was sent away empty handed.  Benevolent far beyond the common, his charities were not bestowed with ostentation or desire for notoriety, but with unobtrusive modesty in harmony with the simple grandeur of his nature.  In short his character was ennobled by the unity and harmonious blending of more good qualities and marred by fewer faults than is usual with men who are esteemed both good and great.  He was of stately figure and commanding presence, and his manner was one in which were combined both simplicity and elegance.  Though not indifferent to public affairs he was not in the popular sense ambitious to appear in them.  He served his county as treasurer for seventeen years, and at the earnest desire of his friends consented to represent the district in the Twenty-seventh Congress.  On the expiration of his term he declined a re-election.  On Oct. 27, 1816, he married Eunice THAYER, of Ontario county, N. Y., who was born March 5, 1797, and died at Corry, Pa., June 23, 1873.  Mr. CLARKE at Ellicottville, Oct. 14, 1860.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Staley N. CLARKE

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 587 & 588

 

Surnames:  CLARK, STEWART

 

William CLARK, son of Wells CLARK, was born in Granville, Aug. 28, 1814, and reared in Blandford, Mass.  He married Caroline M. STEWART, of Canton, Conn., a native of Blandford, Mass., Aug. 20, 1839, and the ensuing spring emigrated to Ellicottville, coming by canal from Albany to Buffalo, thence with a team to this town, arriving May 1, 1840.  His farm had some twenty-five acres partly cleared and a small frame barn, but no house.  While building a portion of the house he now occupies, they resided in a deserted old log house nearby; here the little striped snakes were in possession and would frequently bob up their heads through the large cracks in the floor.  Mr. CLARK had means to pay for his original farm of 122 acres, and has added to it from time to time until he now has nearly 300 acres.  His children are:  George and Harlan M. CLARK, farmers on the homestead

Charles W. CLARK, who occupies his father's farm in Mansfield

James O. CLARK, a lawyer and teller of the Bank of Ellicottville

Wells W. CLARK, a mechanic and farmer in Ellicottville

Carrie L. CLARK, at  home

Mary CLARK, who died in Sept., 1889, aged twenty-nine.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 588

 

Surnames:  COIT, HARRIS, HUNTLEY, CLARKE, SHULTS

 

Lewis COIT, son of Roger and Hannah (HARRIS) COIT, was born in Norwich, Mass., June 18, 1818.  His parents came to Ellicottville in March, 1820.  Their conveyance was a heavy sled drawn by a pair of oxen; their first residence, a log cabin, stood on the site of Judge Scott's barn.  Two or three years later he built the residence occupied by the late Amy HUNTLEY.  In 1827 Mr. COIT removed to the COIT homestead, the home of Lewis COIT, where he had cleared twenty acres and built a log house, and where he died Dec. 14, 1829.  Lewis COIT and his younger brother William then had the labor of the farm and the care of their mother and her seven children.  They cut wood three feet long and drew it to Hon. Staley N. CLARKE (the only one who would buy it at any price) and sold it for fifty cents per cord.  They saved the ashes in their fields and from the kitchen fire, leached them, and made black-salts.  Their industrious mother spun and wove linen and wool and clad her family, and often wove cloth for her neighbors.  They rode to church in summer in a lumber wagon drawn by oxen an in winter on a sled.  Lewis COIT has twelve children living.  His mother died at the age of sixty-seven years.  In 1847 he married Maria SHULTS.  He has been a dealer in working oxen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 588

 

Surnames:  COLMAN, BEECHER

 

Truman Rowley COLMAN was born in Coventry, Conn., Nov. 13, 1809, and was a resident of Ellicottville from 1829 until 1854.  He was prominently identified with the land interests in Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Wyoming counties and besides carried on at times an extensive mercantile trade and banking business.  In 1854 he removed to Dunkirk, N. Y., where he established what became the Lake Shore National Bank.  He married Sophia M., a daughter of Moses BEECHER.  She died Sept. 30, 1867.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 588 & 589

 

Surnames:  COTTER, RICE, JOHNSON, HACKETT

 

James COTTER, born in County Cork, Ireland, Oct. 31, 1831, received a good business education, and at the age of seventeen years, with his father, William, and brother Richard, emigrated to America in a sailing vessel and landed at Quebec after a voyage of six weeks and three days.  In 1852 they all settled in Ellicottville.  James COTTER, in May, 1858, invested what he had saved in a grocery store, which he continued until 1880, since which time he has lived a retired life.  Mr. COTTER has always been a fair dealer.  He is a liberal Democrat and during the late war he gave his aid and influence to the Union.  He is a great reader.  In religion he is a Catholic.  Feb. 23, 1864, he was elected town collector of taxes; March 26, 1864, Addison G. RICE, Samuel William JOHNSON, and James COTTER were appointed a committee on the part of the town of Ellicottville to procure the number of men to fill the quota, and were allowed to pay bounties in their discretion, but in the aggregate not to exceed $4,800; Feb. 27, 1866, he was again elected collector; in 1872 he was a delegate to the Democratic State convention at Rochester and the same fall he was a delegate to the Democratic national convention at Baltimore, which nominated Horace Greeley for the presidency: he is now serving a three years’ term as assessor.  Oct. 27, 1858, he married Honora H. HACKETT, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, who was born Dec. 10, 1835, and came to Ellicottville in 1852.  They have been members of the choir of the Catholic church about thirty years and Mrs. COTTER has been organist the last twelve years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 589

 

Surnames:  CRAWFORD, FULLER

 

Burt J. CRAWFORD was born in Napoli in 1861, was reared in Java, Wyoming county, and married Minerva FULLER, of Arcade, N. Y.  For two years he kept hotel in Springville, N. Y., and in Nov., 1882, purchased the CRAWFORD House in Ellicottville, which was burned May 11, 1890.  He immediately rebuilt a fine brick hotel, which was conceded to be one of the handsomest structures and the best appointed hostelries in Cattaraugus county.  This property he exchanged in February, 1893, for property in Buffalo, where he is now proprietor of the newly refitted Hotel Carlton on Exchange street.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 589

 

Surnames:  DAVIS, EDDY

 

William H. DAVIS, son of John H. and Almira DAVIS, was born in Montgomery county April 5, 1840.  In 1845 the family removed to Ellicottville and located where William H. DAVIS now lives.  Feb. 6, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 105th N. Y. Vols., reached Washington on April 8th, and the first night there slept on the ground, which during the night was covered with snow six inches deep.  He was attacked with measles on the 10th and sent to the hospital, where he was confined three weeks, when he rejoined his regiment at Cloud's Mills, Va. From the effects of the measles he was again ill and confined in the hospital about two months.  He participated in the battle of Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862, was in the battles of Warrenton Junction, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, and Cold Harbor, where he received a wound from a minie-ball which fractured his skull above the left eye and shattered his cheek bone, which has never united.  From blood-poisoning from this wound he has totally lost his left lung.  From the time he received the wound until July, 1865, he was confined in the hospital and was then mustered out with his regiment.  He has been an invalid ever since.  March 26, 1871 he married Lucy EDDY. Children: Emma O., Clara, William H., and Mildred.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 589 & 590

 

Surnames:  DROWN, GREEN, THAYER, BURLINGAME, HUFF, HUENERFELD, WALKER, BATTS, DAY

 

Peter DROWN, a native of Hartford, Conn., married Eliza GREEN and soon after removed to New York State.  He was employed as a sentinel at the prison in Auburn about two years; settled on a farm in Sweden, N. Y., and marketed his wheat in Rochester for twenty-five cents per bushel; and about 1827 began anew in the woods in the northwest part of Ellicottville, where he cleared the land and gave all his family a good education.  Mr. DROWN served as commissioner of highways.  His wife died in 1821 and left five children; his second wife, Sarepta THAYER, bore him nine children.  Ten children are living; two reside in Ellicottville.  Mr. DROWN died March 11, 1875, aged eighty-three years.

 

Elbridge DROWN, the youngest by the first wife, was born Nov. 5, 1819, began life as a jobber clearing land and taught school nine winter terms.  He has been a farmer, and also a dealer in real estate and cattle.  He married Frances, granddaughter of Rickertson BURLINGAME.

 

Oliver T. DROWN, son of Peter and Sarepta (THAYER) DROWN, was born in Monroe county Aug, 1, 1824, and about 1854 he removed to Spartansburg, Pa., where he engaged in mercantile business.  In 1865 he came to Ellicottville and opened a general store, which he conducted until his decease in 1870.  Sept. 3, 1849, he married Harriet, daughter of Jacob HUFF, of East Otto, and they had four children, the oldest, Herman B. DROWN, being the only survivor.  He was born in Ellicottville in 1850 and commenced his business life as a druggist in Spartansburg, Pa., in 1876.  In 1878 he returned to his native town, where he has since conducted a drug store.  In 1876 Mr. DROWN married Louise HUENERFELD of Ellicottville.  They have one son.

 

Alfonso DROWN, youngest child of Peter, was born on the DROWN homestead, where he now resides, Jan 10, 1842.  He received a good English education, and married Nancy, daughter of Collins and Amanda (WALKER) BATTS, of New Albion.  Mr. DROWN has been an elder of the First Presbyterian church of Ellicottville for many years.

 

Peter M. DROWN, son of Elbridge, born Jan. 22, 1854, received a good English education, and Oct. 11, 1879, married Flora DAY.  He settled on Bryant hill, where, when he took possession in 1872, his crop of hay was only eight tons; he has so improved his farm that in 1890 he harvested about 160 tons.  Mr. DROWN is a progressive farmer and gives his influence for the cause of temperance.  Both are members of the Presbyterian church.  Meetings of Bryant Hill Lodge, No. 808, I. O. G. T., are held at his house.  Of this body he was its first chief templar.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 590

 

Surnames:  GRAY, ROMYEN

 

Andrew GRAY was born in Northumberland county, England, in 1790 and with his parents came to America in 1800, settling in Gorham, Ontario county, where they lived ten years.  His father then purchased a tract of 500 acres of wild land in Caledonia, Livingston county, removed to it, and there the parents died.  Andrew had 100 acres of this purchase.  He married Agnes ROMYEN, Feb. 21, 1821, and in 1832 removed his family to a farm in the southeast part of Mansfield, where he died March 22, 1864, and his wife Nov. 27, 1879.  Mr. GRAY was a soldier in the War of 1812.  They had five children.

 

Their oldest son, George GRAY, born in Caledonia, July 16, 1823, received an academic education, was a farmer, was nine years supervisor of Mansfield, and was many years a member of the Board of Trustees and a generous supporter of the Presbyterian church of Ellicottville.  He gave his influence to every good and noble object and died Oct. 28, 1874.

 

His brother, Abram GRAY, was born in Caledonia, July 7, 1826.  He supplemented his common school education with a year's attendance at an academy, remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age, and began business for himself as a carpenter and builder, which has since been his avocation.  Many fine residences, among others St. Bonaventure's College at Allegany and the wooden bridge spanning the Allegheny river in South Valley, are monuments to his skill.  Mr. GRAY has resided in the village since 1873.  He has been an elder of the Presbyterian church for twenty-one years and trustee twenty years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 590

 

Surnames:  GREEN, PUTNAM

 

Allen GREEN removed from Cazenovia, N. Y., to Sardinia, Erie county, in 1815.  In 1826 he came to the northeast corner of Ellicottville, where he purchased 317 acres of wild land, and where his nearest neighbor was five miles distant.  He died Sept. 13, 1859, and his wife, Mercy PUTNAM, May 5, 1872.  Children: Charles, Job, Betsey, Clarinda, Obadiah, Allen M., Perry, Ellen, Sarah, Mary, and Job, 2d.  Allen M. GREEN resides in Franklinville.  Obadiah GREEN lived in Sardinia and became a prominent citizen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 590

 

Surnames:  GRINOLS, TRIPP, HINMAN

 

Harvey GRINOLS, son of Daniel R. and Elsie (TRIPP) GRINOLS, was born in Otto, Sept. 23, 1839, and Sept. 23, 1861, enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Cav., and was on duty with his regiment until he was attacked with fever and obliged to go to the hospital.  He was transferred in an emaciated condition to Block Island Hospital, near Providence, R. I., from which he was. discharged Oct. 28, 1862.  He returned to his farm with ruined health and was obliged to give up so laborious an occupation, and now resides in the village, where he is engaged in dealing in light produce.  Jan. 15, 1865, he married Lorincla HINMAN, of East Otto, and they have two sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 591

 

Surnames:  HARRINGTON, AIKEN, BEECHER

 

Joseph, Owen, Miles, and Caleb HARRINGTON, sons of Nathaniel HARRINGTON, came from Otsego county and settled in Mansfield in 1826.  The father had served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was a pensioner.  He was a well-to-do farmer in Otsego county and gave each of his sons a yoke of oxen and fifty acres of land in Mansfield.  They soon disposed of their farms.  Joseph and Miles settled in Ellicottville, Owen went to Ohio, and Joseph and Caleb eventually located in Little Valley.

 

Miles HARRINGTON married Sarah, daughter of Benjamin AIKEN.  Their children were Henry W., Stephen A., Augustus C., and Sally D.

 

Stephen A. HARRINGTON, born on Fish hill in Mansfield, July 8, 1828, was early obliged to leave school, and finally entered the law office of his brother, where he was two or three years, leaving by the advice of his physician.  He was a groceryman in Ellicottville most of his life, was an aggressive politician and a life-long Democrat, and sometimes in the heat of political campaigns he had a little trouble.  He believed in the principles of the Democracy as opposed to those of the Whig party, and was an influential leader.  He held several town offices, being justice of the peace nearly thirty years.  He was a keeper in the Auburn prison until he resigned the position; he also did some conveyancing and pettifogging in justice's court.  He married Adaline BEECHER, niece of Moses BEECHER, of Ellicottville, and their children were Walter A. and Fred L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 591

 

Surnames:  HILER, LANCHOW, FOX, STADLER, KING

 

John HILLER, born near Hamburg, Germany, about 1831, married Mary LANCHOW, and in 1863 emigrated with his wife and three children to America, coming to Cattaraugus county and settling in East Otto.  He was a brickmaker in his native country, but gave his attention to farming after locating here.  He died in Ashford in 1868.  His widow married William FOX, Sr., a native of Germany and a farmer.  Mr. HILLER's children were Sophia (Mrs. A. STADLER); Henry J., who married Mary KING and resides in Plato; and Herman F., a general merchant and an extensive dealer in farm produce.  Mr. HILLER commenced his mercantile life a clerk at $12 per month and boarded himself.  Three years later he began business where he had been a clerk.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 591

 

Surnames:  HORNUNG, WEIDMANN, BUSCKRIST

 

Joseph HORNING was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1844. In 1871 He married Louise WEIDMANN and came to America.  Being a carriage maker he prosecuted his trade successively in Little Valley and Ellicottville, and in the spring of 1880 settled on the farm near Ashford Junction where he now resides.  Mr. HORNING is also a dealer in agricultural implements and fertilizers.  His wife died in 1872 and in 1874 he married Henrietta BUSCKRIST, who is the mother of all his living children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 591 & 592

 

Surnames:  HUNTLEY, STILLWELL, McGOWEN, HAWKINS, CHAMBERLAIN

 

Daniel HUNTLEY, a native of Connecticut, married Catherine, daughter of Thomas STILLWELL, and in 1817 removed from Cortland county to Franklinville with his family.  It appears that he possessed considerable means, for he bought a large tract of land sufficiently cleared to support thirty cows, which he drove to his place when he came, and began farming on a large scale for that day.  His was probably the first dairy in Cattaraugus county.  When the county seat was located in Ellicottville he purchased the eighty-acre farm new occupied by his grandson, William HUNTLEY, and moved onto it; he subsequently increased his real estate to about 900 acres.  In 1820 he built the Cattaraugus Mansion House and opened it to the public the ensuing year, and kept it until he died July 5, 1846.  The hotel was continued by his family until 1872.  Mrs. HUNTLEY survived until Dec. 7, 1864.  Their children were: William, who died in 1828, and was the first person in Ellicottville who was buried with Masonic honors; Thomas S., a farmer at Huntley Station, Ill., the location being named in his honor; Daniel I.; Silas; Samuel; Amy; Catharine, who died in 1827; and Jane M. (Mrs. P. J. McGOWEN)

 

Daniel I. HUNTLEY, born in Cortland county, Sept. 5, 1810, married, in 1840, Eliza HAWKINS, a native of Massachusetts who died in April, 1852, and Jan. 2, 1855, he married, second, Cordelia CHAMBERLAIN, who was also born in Massachusetts.  Mr. HUNTLEY was with his father assisting on the farm and in the hotel.  After the sale of the latter he devoted his time and attention to agriculture.  He was prominently interested in military affairs and held all the grades successively from second sergeant to brigadier-general of the militia of the State.  He also held the office of county treasurer three years from 1843 and several minor civil positions.  He was supervisor of Mansfield in 1862 and 1863.

 

Thomas S. HUNTLEY held the same office in Ellicottville in 1840, while Horace S. HUNTLEY served the town of Little Valley in this capacity in 1856, '62, and '66.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 592

 

Surnames:  HURLBURT, BURLINGAME, NILES

 

Grove HURLBURT, the first settler in the town of Ellicottville, was born in Tolland, Conn., in 1765, and was an early settler in Whitestown, Oneida county.  He next built and conducted a tavern at Oriskany and in 1809 settled on a farm of "lease lands" in the town of Rome.  In 1815, after a journey of six weeks, he came upon Rickertson BURLINGAME, who was surveying this town into lots, and, being pleased with the location, went a few weeks later to the land office in Batavia and was offered inducements to settle as soon as the town was surveyed.  In the ensuing fall he came with his son John and made choice of lots 56 and 57, containing 316 acres.  They remained till fall and cut up the timber preparatory to clearing seven acres, and built a log house, the first habitation of white people in Ellicottville.  Feb. 11, 1816 Grove HURLBURT's brother Reuben, with Grove's son and daughter John and Sally, arrived at this log cabin; the latter, then but eleven years old, became the temporary female head of the HURLBURT family, which honors she discharged until March 15th when they were joined by her parents and the remainder of the family.  Here Mr. HURLBURT spent the residue of his long life, dying Sept. 28, 1852.  Mr. HURLBURT brought provisions, as he supposed, sufficient to last until he could raise and harvest a crop.  The frosts of the "cold season" of' 1816 destroyed his grain and corn and he had only a small crop of potatoes.  The next season he made black-salts, which he exchanged for two barrels of flour at $18 per barrel.  To carry the family through to wheat harvest John searched the country for five days to obtain one and one-half bushels of corn, which he purchased at $1.50 a bushel.  Mr. HURLBURT planted the first orchard in town in the spring of 1816.  They were obliged to go thirteen miles to mill and to Bethany and Le Roy in Genesee county for groceries.  Bears and wolves preyed upon their sheep.  John was taught by a hunter to trap the wolves and caught six in a winter, for which he received a bounty of $60 per head.  Mr. HURLBURT erected the first frame barn in town in the fall of 1816 and built a comfortable frame house in 1822, now well preserved and occupied.  He married Hannah NILES, of Whitestown, a native of Vermont, who was the mother of his thirteen children.  Their seven sons are deceased.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 592 & 593

 

Surnames:  JOHNSTON, HURLBURT

 

William JOHNSTON, a pioneer of Ellicottville, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., which place was named in honor of one of his ancestors.  June 21, 1822, he married Sally, daughter of Grove HURLBURT.  She was born in Whitestown, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1803.  They first settled on a farm, but in November, 1826, removed to the village, where Mrs. JOHNSTON still resides.  Mr. JOHNSTON was a skillful mechanic and conducted a cabinet shop.  He was a man of influence in town and church affairs, was a justice of the peace, and held other town offices, and was a vestryman in the Episcopal church.  Mr. JOHNSTON died in June, 1853.  Children of William and Sally JOHNSTON:  John, a physician of Jackson, Mich.; Grove, deceased; Byron A.; William H.; and Mary, deceased

 

William H. JOHNSTON, born Sept. 21, 1832, enlisted in August, 1862, in the 154th N. Y. Vols. as a musician and was honorably discharged from Mt. Pleasant hospital in February, 1863.  He is now a dentist in the village.

 

Capt. Byron A. JOHNSTON, was born in Ellicottville, Jan. 31, 1827.  In 1852 he went overland to California.  He remained and two and a half years later returned by way of the isthmus.  He was wrecked with 1,500 passengers on board the steamer Yankee Blade, off Point Conception, and over 100 passengers were lost.  He was a carpenter by trade.  May. 7, 1861, he enlisted for two years in Co. H, 37th N. Y. Vols., and served as orderly-sergeant.  He was discharged at Fort Washington, Md., Jan. 19, 1862, on a surgeon's certificate of disability.  July 21, 1862, he re-enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., for three years, as orderly sergeant.  Oct. 6, 1862, be was promoted as second lieutenant, May 1, 1863, as first lieutenant, and July 9, 1864, as captain.  He participated in the first battle of Bull Run.  With the 154th Regiment he was in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  With the Eleventh Army Corps he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland on Sept. 28, 1863, and participated at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.  He went with his regiment to the relief of General Burnside at Knoxville, Tenn., and returned to Lookout Valley in December, 1863, where his command spent the winter.  In May, 1864, his regiment joined General Sherman and marched from Chattanooga to Atlanta.  He continued with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea and from Savannah to Washington, and was mustered out in June, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 593

 

Surnames:  KING, COOK, MUNGER, GAYLORD, MATTESON

 

Alanson KING, son of Arnold and Candace (COOK) KING, was born in Collins, Erie county, March 20, 1816, and married Charlotte MUNGER in Hanover, Chautauqua county, Jan. 12, 1843.  He early became a major of militia, and in 1848 removed to Ashford, where he engaged in mercantile business and owned and conducted a flouring-mill and saw-mill. In 1849 he represented Ashford on the Board of Supervisors.  He was an old line Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks.  In 1856 he was elected a member of Assembly.  He went to the Legislature for honest work and ably filled the position and the expectations of his constituents.  Gen. Samuel W. Johnson, a Democrat, said of him: "He returned from the Legislature as poor as he entered it."  Mr. KING was man of more than average ability; he had great influence, and his integrity and honesty were unquestioned.  In 1861 he received an appointment in the customs house in New York, where he remained until 1871.  He resided in Ellicottville the ensuing two years and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Candace M. GAYLORD, in Tiona, Pa., Aug. 10, 1888, and was buried at Ashford with Masonic honors.  His son, Edwin S., the only member of the family residing in Cattaraugus county, was born in Collins, N. Y., Feb. 8, 1844.  At the age of fifteen he commenced teaching district schools and taught three winter terms.  In Feb., 1862, he came to Ellicottville, and in 1872 formed a partnership in the drug business with Charles H. MATTESON, whose interest he subsequently purchased.  Mr. KING was assistant assessor of internal revenue about ten months; after that office was abolished he was appointed deputy collector, holding the position in all eight years.  He has been secretary of the Republican County Committee and clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 593 & 594

 

Surnames:  LANGHANS, MEROW, BLOCK, EULERS

 

John LANGHANS, born in Lauenburg, Germany, Nov. 4, 1811, married Dora MEROW in Oct., 1841, and came to America in 1858, settling first in East Otto, where he and his family saved money to make a payment on one hundred acres of land on Jackman hill in Ellicottville, where his son John now lives.  He removed to this farm in the fall of 1861 and died there Sept. 21, 1884.  John LANGHANS, Jr., was born in Germany, Oct. 21, 1843, came to America with his parents, and Sept. 9, 1864, enlisted in Co. H, 154th N. Y. Vols., joining the regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn.  He marched through Georgia in General Sherman's campaign and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal at the close of the war.  Since then Mr. LANGHANS has been a farmer.  He is a Republican and has served his town as assessor.  Oct. 21, 1868, he married Sophia BLOCK and has three children.  Henry LANGHANS married Dora EULERS, resides on a portion of the old homestead, and has three children.  Julius LANGHANS, son of John, Sr., is a farmer in Mansfield.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 594

 

Surnames:  LAWLER, STACK, SHANKLAND

 

William LAWLER was born in the Parish of Kilconley, Ireland, about 1820, came to America in 1852, and was married in Buffalo, in 1854, to Jane H. STACK, a native of Ballylongford, Ireland.  They settled the same spring in Peth in Great Valley.  In March, 1873, they located on the farm at Ashford Junction where they still reside.  They have five children living: Garrat T., William J., Eugene M., James E., and Charles A.  Eugene M. LAWLER was born Jan. 23, 1862, received his education in the common schools and at the Union school at Ellicottville, chose the printer's trade, and at the age of fourteen years entered the office of Hon. Robert H. SHANKLAND, where he spent four years.  In 1881 he opened a general store at Ashford Junction.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 594 - 596

 

Surnames:  LITCHFIELD, HAYDEN, DOOLY, BROWN, BUCK, THATCHER, FRENCH, BOYCE

 

Beals E. LITCHFIELD, youngest son and child of Ensign and Mary (HAYDEN) LITCHFIELD, was born in Chesterfield, Hampshire county, Mass., Dec. 12, 1823.  His ancestors were of English descent.  At the age of scarcely seven years he came to the settlement of Ellicottville, where the blows of the pioneer's axe were resounding and the primeval forest yet standing, although it had been fourteen years since the birth of the first white child.  He describes the arrival, etc., thus: "In the month of October, 1830, Ensign LITCHFIELD and Mary, his wife, then residing in the town of Chesterfield, Hampshire county, Mass., and who were the parents of eleven children, of whom the writer is the youngest, loaded their seven youngest children into a covered wagon drawn by two horses, and bidding farewell to their native hills and home (where for many years they had struggled with adversity, though sometimes they rejoiced in prosperity) started to seek a new home in the then wild woods of Cattaraugus county, N. Y.  After a tedious journey of two weeks the covered wagon with its load of emigrants arrived at a log tavern kept by Freeman Bryant, located in the town of Ellicottville on what has since been known as Bryant hill, and on the same place where Peter Drown's dwelling house now stands.  Through the kindness of Mr. Bryant and his estimable companion, who had been old acquaintances of the emigrants in the east, the tired and hungry travelers were supplied with a bountiful dinner, to which they did ample justice.  After the repast the team was hitched to the wagon and wended its way slowly over the roots and through the woods for about a mile and a half to where our oldest brother Simeon had a few months before pitched, not his tent like the wanderers of old, but his shanty in the woods, said shanty being built of logs and covered with basswood troughs.  The floor was also made of basswood split open in the center and laid the flat side up.  The fire for warming and cooking purposes was built in one corner upon the ground, without hearth or chimney.  There was an open space in the roof above the fire for the smoke to pass out, but when the wind blew much of the smoke returned to bid the inmates of the shanty a "good bye," and that "good-bye" blessing often caused the silent tear to fall and invariably left a smarting sting behind.  This shanty was located on what is now known as the DOOLY farm  At that time brother Simeon's family consisted of himself, wife, and three children and father's family of nine persons, and these fourteen people lived in that little shanty (the size of which was only twelve by sixteen feet) for four weeks, until brother Elisha, who was about twenty-one years of age, bought of Orrin BROWN his chance on seventy-eight acres of land on lot 62, on which we now reside, and is a part of the LITCHFIELD farm which at present contains three hundred acres.  Not being able to obtain possession of the log house on the premises until the next spring, they built a "lean-to" against the back side of the log house, and there our father's family lived during the winter of 1830-31.  Such were the conditions we met on our first introduction to Cattaraugus county.  There were only a few acres cleared on the farm bought by father, and he and brother Elisha worked on that land the next summer.  In October, 1831, Elisha married Amy BUCK and in December his spirit left the material form and passed on to a higher condition of life in the spirit realms of existence.  Our father, Ensign LITCHFIELD, faithfully labored on the farm as a pioneer for ten years, and October 17, 1840, quietly passed to the higher life, sincerely mourned and sadly missed by his many relatives and friends.  Our mother remained with us until May, 1858, when she was released from her material form and crossed the mystic river to join those who were waiting her on the other side.  She was truly loved by all her children and friends and was much missed."

 

As Beals LITCHFIELD grew in strength and years he assisted in the great work of transforming the forests into fruitful fields, became an agriculturist, and has ever been a careful and successful one.  He loved and honored his vocation, and his opinions on agriculture are worthy of record.  He says: "During the last quarter of a century I have noticed that many young men have left the farm and engaged in other occupations, either because they considered that of agriculture less dignified or less lucrative.  There undoubtedly are other occupations or speculations in which, if successful, a large fortune can be more speedily accumulated than by agriculture, but I am sure that the different branches of agricultural pursuits contain all the elements and conditions necessary to bring wealth and happiness to those farmers who pursue their labors in a reasonable and scientific manner.  Agriculture is the basis of all other pursuits, hence it can not be less dignified or less useful to mankind.  In an early period it was supposed by many that a farmer did not need much education, that a half-idiot could plow, sow, reap, and mow, and consequently be a successful farmer, but opinions as well as agricultural implements have changed, and it is now admitted by well informed farmers that a scientific education is necessary for success in agriculture.  A scientific application of labor and other means often unlocks nature's storehouse and fills the farmer's barn with the rich fruitage of the soil and his heart with joy, and I here affirm that agriculture is a chemical science and. one of the most useful ever revealed by the Creator to mankind."*

 

Mr. LITCHFIELD is modest and unassuming in his manners and honest in his convictions.  For forty years he has been a believer in Spiritualism, was one of its pioneer speakers, and with conscientious endeavor he lives up to the truths of his belief.  In 1890 he published a book, "Leaflets of Thought gathered from the Tree of Life," and has another volume (his autobiography) ready for publication.  He has passed a quiet and uneventful life of three-score years and more on the beautiful place where his father first settled; here he brought his worthy helpmeet, Lucinda, daughter of Israel and Delight THATCHER, of Hopewell, Ontario county, whom he married October 14, 1847.  Here they have dispensed a generous hospitality; here they have experienced many joys and many sorrows; here their children were born, and here they have mourned their departure for the spirit world; and from here after long and useful lives may they cross to the beautiful land beyond, and "meet their Pilot face to face."

 

Levi LITCHFIELD, son of Ensign, was born in Massachusetts in 1805 and married Nancy FRENCH.  In the spring of 1831 he settled in the north part of Ellicottville and in 1835 or '36 made a permanent home on the farm now owned by Fred Weishan.  He cleared this farm, erected good buildings, aided in building school houses, and gave all his children a substantial education.  During the Rebellion he sold his farm and retired to the village, where he died in June, 1887.  Like most of the pioneers he worked hard, was a good financier, accumulated a fair fortune for a farmer, and was highly respected.  His oldest son, Harvey LITCHFIELD, was born in Massachusetts in September, 1826, was educated in the common schools, and early chopped, rolled logs, made black-salts, and at the age of twenty-six had 100 acres of his father's farm.  He married Almira BOYCE.  He inherited his father's sterling qualities.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Beals E. LITCHFIELD

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 596

 

Surnames:  LOWE, BUGBY, PITCHER, CHAMBERLAIN, BARTLETT, WARD

 

Andrew LOWE came to Ellicottville from Albany, where he had been a dry goods clerk six years.  In 1837 he married Jane BUGBY, who came to this town when only five years old and resided in the family of Spencer PITCHER.  Mr. LOWE died in 1841, aged twenty-seven years; Mrs. LOWE died in July, 1887, aged sixty-seven.  She was the widow of Moses CHAMBERLAIN, who died in Feb., 1864.

 

Theodore LOWE, son of Andrew, was born Sept. 8, 1839.  From 1859 to 1866 he was in the employ of Daniel BARTLETT, who ran a stage line from Ellicottville to Great Valley, which he extended to Salamanca in 1864.  In March, 1866, Mr. LOWE purchased the route and equipments and conducted the business until the completion of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg railroad in 1878.  Since then he has dealt in agricultural implements.  He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860 has been highway commissioner, and has been for twenty-seven years a Mason.  Sept. 7, 1862, he married Celia WARD, of Great Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 596

 

Surnames:  MABEE, COIT, CLARK

 

Abram MABEE was born in Canajoharie, N. Y., July 4, 1839.  His father was born a slave, but was liberated in early life; he resided in Syracuse at the time of the "Jerry rescue," and was so active in that memorable event that he removed to Canada to escape arrest as a rioter.  Abram MABEE came to Ellicottville in 1850 and had a home in the family of Lewis COIT until he was twenty-one.  In 1861 he went south as a servant of Captain CLARK and soon after was a teamster in the U. S. service.  In December, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 20th U. S. Col. Inf., and went with his regiment to New Orleans, being promoted to the rank of orderly-sergeant.  He was at the siege of Port Hudson, Brownville, Texas, and Mansfield on the Red river, where he was shot in his right thigh, going thence to the hospital, whence he soon rejoined his regiment at Welkin's Bend on the Mississippi river.  He was again sent to the hospital at New Orleans, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.  Since then he has been a barber in Ellicottville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 596 & 597

 

Surnames:  McCOY, BEACH

 

Bethuel McCOY, son of John and Hannah (BEACH) McCOY, was born in New Jersey in 1807.  When seventeen or eighteen he came to Great Valley, as Judge Chamberlain's clerk, where he remained about five years.  In the fall of 1828 he settled in Ellicottville and opened a general store, and was one of the leading merchants until the spring of 1847, when he sold to his brother Stephen and retired to a farm in Great Valley.  There he spent the remainder of his life, dying May 12, 1876.  He served the town of Great Valley as supervisor in 1865.

 

Stephen McCOY was born in Seneca, N. Y., Jan. 26, 1817.  He became a clerk for his brother Bethuel, and in May, 1847, bought the latter's interest in the store and conducted it until 1875.  Mr. McCOY represented Ellicottville as supervisor in 1851 and 1852, the county as treasurer one term, and was loan commissioner two years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 597

 

Surnames:  McMAHON, DEVEREUX, WALSH, DALEY

 

John McMAHON, born in. County Clare, Ireland, in 1820, came to America in 1847, reaching Ellicottville with but a sixpence in his pocket.  He entered the employ of Hon. John C. DEVEREUX, with whom be continued until the latter's death.  Mr. McMAHON came here a stranger, but by untiring industry and excellent business ability he became prominent in the village and county.  He was a leading spirit in the organization of the Cattaraugus Railway Company, now the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg railroad, and erected a steam saw-mill in the village where he employed a large number of men.  He also owned and conducted a flour and feed-mill and erected several dwellings and stores.  Although born in the shadow of the British throne he nevertheless loved freedom and soon was invested with citizenship, but he still had a warm heart for the sufferings of Ireland.  He died Aug. 22, 1887.  He married Jennie WALSH, also a native of Ireland, who survived him until Nov. 8, 1888.  Their surviving children are John D., James W., Daniel P., Thomas P., and Cathleen (Mrs. Martin B. DALEY).

 

James W. McMAHON is much interested in the affairs of his town and has represented it on the Board of Supervisors nine years. He was the youngest delegate to the national convention that nominated Grover Cleveland for president in 1884 and has been a member of the Democratic State Committee, representing the 34th Congressional District.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 597

 

Surnames:  MOFFIT, CHAPMAN

 

James MOFFIT was born in Franklinville in Feb., 1843, was reared a farmer, was educated in the common schools and the academy at Genesee, and Oct. 24, 1863, enlisted in Co. G, 64th N. Y. Vols., which a year later was transferred to the 187th Regiment, with which Mr. MOFFIT served to the close of the war, being honorably discharged in July, 1865.  He received a gunshot wound and an abrasion of the skin on his right side at Petersburg.  In 1865 he married Josephine CHAPMAN and the same year opened a general store in Humphrey Center.  In 1877 he was appointed postmaster and served six years.  In 1883 he settled in Ellicottville and commenced the publication of the Ellicottville Post, a Republican weekly.  Since 1888 his only son has been an equal partner.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 597 & 598

 

Surnames:  NORTHRUP, LANSING

 

Halsey F. NORTHRUP was born in South New Berlin, Chenango county, in 1844.  He obtained a thorough education, especially in mathematics and early engaged in land surveying, civil engineering, and teaching.  In the spring of 1868 he came to Ellicottville and taught the Union School one year, and practiced his profession during vacation.  He then gave his whole attention to land surveying until 1875, when he began surveying for the oil pipe line companies.  In the winter of 1877-78 he was employed by the Tide Water Pipe Line Company.  He made the preliminary examination of the route, secured the right of way, made the surveys and maps, and examined the titles of the lands over which the line passes, which has required nearly all his time, much care, and great research.  He is still the civil engineer of this company in charge of all surveying, engineering and right of way matters.  This great line is 285 miles long, passes in a generally direct line, and the pipe of wrought iron is six inches in diameter.  The oil is propelled from seven stations.  The greatest altitude above tide water is 2,600 feet at Summit, Potter county, Pa.  He purchased about 3000 acres of wild lands in different sections of Cattaraugus county, which he has been selling out in parcels.  He owns twenty-one oil wells in Allegany county, which are managed by his partner.  He is also the present president of the village of Ellicottville.  In 1874 he married Mary LANSING, of Greene, N. Y., and has a son and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 598

 

Surnames:  OYER, HAMMOND, DYE, LARABEE

 

Michael OYER, son of Frederick, was born in Herkimer county about 1802.  He early came to Ashford with his father, who as a farmer began at what is now called New Ashford, coming in by marked trees over corduroy roads and pole bridges.  The nearest grist-mill was at Springville in Erie county, whither they went in summer with a wood-shod sled drawn by oxen.  Frederick OYER resided there until his death; his wife lived to be ninety-nine years of age.  Michael OYER married Betsey HAMMOND, of East Otto, and settled near his father soon afterward.  Selling out five years later, he settled on a farm partly cleared in East Otto, where he died.  He had six daughters and one son.  The latter, Joseph OYER, married Delilah DYE in 1863, was a farmer in East Otto, and in 1861 enlisted in Co. A, 7th Ill. Vols., for three months.  In 1865 he purchased a half-interest in a general store of his brother-in-law, J. D. LARABEE, in Ashford Hollow, where he was a merchant ten years.  In Feb., 1881, he removed to Ellicottville, where he deals in horses and has a livery stable.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 598

 

Surname:  PETTIT

 

Joshua R. PETTIT, born in Tonawanda, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1839 commenced his business life in Ellicottville in 1860, and Aug. 12, 1862, enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., serving until the close of the war, being most of the time a sergeant of an ambulance corps.  In 1866 he opened a grocery in Ellicottville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 598

 

Surnames:  PITCHER, WOODRUFF, HURLBURT, HUNTLEY

 

Orrin PITCHER, a native of Norwich, Mass., married Miranda WOODRUFF in Broome county, N. Y., and settled there about 1807.  In 1813 he came to Ellicottville and cut down the timber on about two acres where the village now stands, and returned to his family in Broome county.  In the fall he brought his wife and son (David S.) and three daughters to Franklinville, whence in the spring he made a path to Peth in Great Valley and removed to a shanty, which he had built there.  In the succeeding winter he occupied the log house of Grove HURLBURT while building a similar residence for himself.  His log cabin occupied the site of the old Mansion House, now the Whitney House, and was the first habitation within the village corporation.  This place he sold to Daniel HUNTLEY.  He eventuaIly removed to Illinois and thence to Iowa, where he spent the last twelve or fifteen years of his life, dying at the age of eighty-four years.  His wife died aged over eighty-seven.  David S. PITCHER, their oldest son, born in Broome county in 1809 came with his parents to Ellicottville in 1814 and lived to see the wilderness transformed into a thriving town and village.  His brother Orlando, born in June, 1816, was the first white male child born in Ellicottville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 598

 

Surnames:  QUACKENBUSH, BARGY, HINMAN

 

Clark P. QUACKENBUSH, second son of John and Mary (BARGY) QUACKENBUSH, was born in Ashford, July 7, 1849, and June 7, 1871, married Augusta HINMAN, of his native town, who was born in Mansfield, April 8, 1849.  He settled on his father's homestead of 233 acres, which he owned, and where he remained eleven years, when he began keeping hotel in Ashford Hollow.  In March, 1883, they settled in Ellicottville.  They have three daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 598 & 599

 

Surnames:  RANDALL, DIMMICK, McCOY, SHANNON

 

Charles P. RANDALL, a native of Chenango county, married Margaret DIMMICK, and as near as can be ascertained made with his bride his first settlement in Mansfield on Fish hill.  He cleared a farm and in a few years became an extensive dealer in sheep and cattle.  He resided in Mansfield until his death Dec. 31, 1859; Mrs. RANDALL died June 21, 1855..  Children: Mary (Mrs. C. McCOY), who died in 1859; Joseph D., born in Mansfield, June 16, 1836; George, born in June, 1838; Ralph C., born in March, 1840; and Frank W., born May 17, 1846.  Joseph D. RANDALL married Charity SHANNON, of Bridgeport, N. Y.  He has been a successful business man, has been an inspector of telegraph for the United States Telegraph Company, has owned several star mail routes, has been a grocer, has drilled a number of oil wells, at one time owning nineteen, has dealt in live stock and largely in real estate, and has built a large number of residences.  He is now postmaster of Ellicottville.  Mr. RANDALL cast his first vote for General Fremont and has been a pronounced Republican since the organization of the party.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 599

 

Surnames:  REED, WAIT

 

E. T. REED, son of J. W., was born in Ashford, May 29, 1853, and choosing dentistry as a profession became a pupil of Dr. Carlos WAIT, of Springville, N. Y., where he spent two years.  He located in Ellicottville in the spring of 1877, where he has since resided, and where he has acquired a flourishing practice.  Dr. REED was burned out in the great fire in May, 1890, but quickly became settled in his present handsome quarters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 599

 

Surnames:  RUST, ELLIS, STANTON, WASHBURN, TODD, KNIGHT, McCOY

 

Quartus RUST, born in Chester, Mass., Sept. 4, 1790, early learned the carpenter's trade, and about 1815 married Polly ELLIS, who was born Aug. 17, 1792, and who died in January, 1813, leaving an infant son.  In 1817 Mr. RUST married Martha STANTON and in 1818 came to Ellicottville.  He paid a neighbor $50 to bring his family and their goods to their home in the woods with a yoke of oxen and a heavy wagon, and they were six weeks making the journey.  They settled on Bryant hill, where he was a successful pioneer farmer.  Mrs. RUST died Nov. 8, 1846.

Children :

Quartus Ellis RUST, born in Massachusetts, June 2, 1815

Lewis RUST, who died in infancy

Lewis S. RUST, born July 25, 1819 who was killed at Second Bull Run

John W. RUST, born March 11, 1821, was a mechanic and farmer, and died April 26, 1872

Mary A. RUST, born Jan. 21, 1823, married Howland WASHBURN, and died Nov. 13, 1871

Angeline RUST, born in December, 1830. died July 12, 1842

Edwin R. RUST, born March 31, 1832, a farmer who faithfully cared for his aged parents until their decease, and who now resides with his nephew, Charles C. RUST, in the village.

 

Quartus RUST married for his third wife Mrs. Sarah, widow of Lyman TODD, May 8, 1853; he died Sept. 10, 1854, and she May 10, 1884.  Mr. RUST was a justice of the peace for twenty-five years.  Quartus E. RUST was a cabinet maker by trade and a farmer on the homestead.  In 1859 he settled in the village and conducted a cabinet shop and furniture store until his death Sept. 8, 1889.  Dec. 19, 1839, he married Electa M. KNIGHT, who died March 17, 1861; she was the mother of all his children: Amelia M., Charles C., and Ellis E.  March 3, 1863, Quartus E. RUST married Ann McCOY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 599 & 600

 

Surnames:  SAXTON, LEONARD, SKINNER

 

Henry SAXTON was born in Vermont and came to Ellicottville as a clerk in 1817 or '18 for Baker LEONARD, whose widow he married.  He died of cholera in Louisville, Ky., in 1834, aged thirty-four years.  Mr. SAXTON possessed great energy and large natural resources, and was a leading citizen of the town and county.  He was elected sheriff in 1828, which position he resigned at the beginning of the last year of his term.  He was a prominent merchant in Ellicottville and had branch stores in Springville and Randolph; he was also an extensive dealer and manufacturer of pine lumber.  He leased a mill-site on the Allegheny river where Salamanca now is and there built the first mill, and used the river as a highway to convey his lumber to market.  Henry SAXTON was supervisor of Ellicottville in 1828.

Children:

Albert SAXTON, who lives in Sacramento, Cal.

Hannah L. SAXTON, widow of J. King SKINNER, resides on the homestead where she was born, and which now shelters three generations of the family.

Baker Leonard SAXTON, who enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., for three years, re-enlisted in the 179th N. Y. Regt. as first lieutenant, and was killed in front of Petersburg.

Frederick A. SAXTON, of Washington, D. C.

Walter SAXTON, who died in 1855

Ebenezer SAXTON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 600

 

Surname:  SHEFFIELD

 

James M. SHEFFIELD, born in Great Valley, March 13, 1847, was raised in Ellicottville, and Sept. 26, 1864, enlisted in Co. F, 43d U. S. Col. Troops, and was honorably discharged Sept. 28, 1865, at Brownville, Texas, receiving in an engagement a permanent injury of his right eye.  William H. SHEFFIELD, his father, was a soldier in the 26th U. S. Col. Troops, saw hard service, was disabled from field duty, and was detailed as hospital steward until discharged.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 600

 

Surnames:  SMITH, McINTYRE

 

Rev. Courtney SMITH; born in Bolton, Warren county, March 21, 1806, died in Ellicottville, Feb. 22, 1884.  He received a thorough education, studied theology with his brother, Rev. Reuben SMITH, of Waterford, and later received the degree of A.M. from Middlebury College in Vermont.  Mr. SMITH was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Troy, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1834, and was ordained within a year afterward.  He entered upon the labors of his profession in his native town, where he remained seven years, and was then in Warrensburgh, N. Y., fourteen years, was the pastor of a church in Grand Rapids, Mich., nearly ten years, and was four years at Portland, Chautauqua county.  Mr. SMITH settled in Ellicottville in the fall of 1869, and was duly installed as pastor of the church about a year later.  He remained to the close of his life their faithful, efficient, and zealous pastor, and the church prospered under his ministration.  He was an argumentative and eloquent sermonizer, an easy and pleasing conversationalist; and the highest type of a Christian gentleman.  He had strong and decided convictions of duty and the courage to advocate what he decided was right.  Aug. 28, 1828, he married Sarah McINTYRE, of Bolton, who survived him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 600 -602

 

Surnames:  SMITH, NICHOLS, CLARKE, COLMAN, BEECHER

 

Theodore SMITH was born in Orwell, Rutland county, Vt., on the 28th of June, 1809.  He was the sixth in descent from Rev. Henry SMITH, who came from England an ordained minister and was installed first pastor of the church at Weathersfield, Conn., in 1636, and died in 1648.  In the last century the family moved from Connecticut to Vermont, where it soon became noted for its broad minds and independent natures.  It furnished from its numbers many men who became prominent in Colonial affairs and in the councils and on the battlefields of the new Republic.  Hon. Pliny SMITH, father of Theodore, born in 1761, died in 1840, was the leading mind in northern Vermont in his lifetime, and at different periods was a member of the General Assembly, a State senator, and for many years a justice of the Supreme Court of Vermont.  Theodore SMITH was educated at the high school and at the college at Castleton.  At the age of twenty-one he married Lucy, daughter of Dr. Asher NICHOLS, and shortly afterward moved to Springville, N. Y., where he began life as a merchant.  In 1838 he moved to Ellicottville and entered the office of the Holland Land Company under Mr. CLARKE, whose daughter, Eunice Sarah, he had married, his first wife having died some years previously.  In 1843 he was admitted to the bar, but never practiced; the legal training, however, proved of great value to him in later life when, burdened with the care of his own and other estates, he had many complicated interests to protect, and the welfare of widows and orphans depended upon his knowledge of legal duties.  In the early thirties the Holland Land Company sold its interests to the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company of New York and the latter some years afterward transferred its title to several private individuals.  Among these were Mr. SMITH and Truman R. COLMAN, who since 1843 had been partners in the banking business.  They fully appreciated the opportunity which lay before them at this time and purchased over 150,000 acres of land in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, which they disposed of to the settlers in the same manner as the old company.  In 1852 the partnership was dissolved, after which Mr. SMITH remained in Ellicottville disposing of his share of the partnership lands until 1863, when he removed to New York.

 

Although not a politician and never in office Mr. SMITH took great interest in public affairs.  Thoroughly independent in feeling, with ideas founded on long study of political and constitutional writers as well as affairs of the day, he was above and beyond party bias, and followed what seemed to him to be the line of public policy most conducive to the interests of the whole rather than a party or section of the nation.  Previous to 1860 he had taken no active part in matters of public interest beyond the discussion incident to a political campaign, and then only to express briefly his views upon the point at issue.  But in that year the question of the conservation of the Union, the fatuity of the doctrine of States rights, and the attempt to abolish a system that was contrary to the basal idea of the constitution stirred within him the spirit he had inherited from his Puritan ancestors.  He resolved to do his duty to his country so far as it lay within his power.  Prevented by physical weakness from serving at the front he directed his energies towards supplying the material with which the struggle was to be won.  With a thoroughness which was a characteristic feature, he went to Washington and familiarized himself with the detail of army life which was to be seen in the great army then encamped near the capital during the period of McClellan's campaign.  He likewise visited the various departments of the government and was favored with an interview with the president.  At the second call for troops in 1861 Mr. SMITH gave his time to the raising of volunteers and the organization of regiments for service.  He canvassed Cattaraugus county from end to end, exhorting the people both publicly and privately to do their part for the Union.  When companies were formed in the various towns he cheered the departing volunteers with inspiring and patriotic words.  Ordinarily of an undemonstrative and unimpassioned manner he became at such inspiring moments a fascinating and brilliant speaker, and through the fervor of his addresses and the earnestness of his manner stirred the enthusiasm of the men of the county to give their best efforts for the Union.  In 1863 Mr. SMITH went to New York, spending his time between that city and Cattaraugus county until the end of the war, when he moved to Buffalo, where he lived until his death, Jan. 12, 1883.  About the time of his removal to Buffalo he gradually began to give up active business, leaving his interests in the hands of his son, Archibald Clarke SMITH, and devoted the remainder of his years to his books and to travel.  In 1868 he suffered a severe loss by the death of his only daughter, Lucy NICHOLS, wife of James Curtis BEECHER.  In time the infirmities of age became too strong to permit an active life, and, surrounded by his family and guiding the development of a younger generation grown up beside him, he passed his last years among the comforts and blessings to which an energetic and benevolent life entitled him.  His wife, the eldest daughter of Hon. Staley Nichols CLARKE, as perfect a woman as her father was a man, and whose motherly kindness many have cause to bless, has survived Mr. SMITH many years.

 

Mr. SMITH was a man of great breadth of character and depth of mind.  Fond of study, he devoted his spare moments to his library and was a writer not only of the spirited addresses delivered during the war, but of many short stories and critical essays of literary worth.  Combined with these talents were a fund of dry humor and the faculty of easy expression, all of which made him fascinating and instructive in conversation; men left him feeling charmed and elevated by his presence.  Of Puritan stock he was naturally severe and critical, but once convinced of the merit of a man there was no more steadfast friend than he.  He was charitable and kind, convinced that it was no merit but the pleasantest of duties to serve and make others happy.  He was a man of great business capacity, whose foresight and sagacity brought his many interests through dangerous crises, and seized the opportunity where a wrong step would not only have ruined himself, but brought desolation to the many who trusted him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 602

 

Surnames:  SOMERVILLE, HILL

 

William SOMERVILLE, son of James, was born in Dalkeith, Scotland, in March, 1797.  His father was a miller; William was a stone cutter.  In 1817 he came to America and went to Washington, D. C., where he was employed on the capitol over two years.  Returning to Europe he married, in London, in March, 1822, Hannah HILL, and brought his bride to Washington, where he was employed on the White House.  Remaining there until the completion of the national buildings he returned to New York, where he conducted shops of his own until 1842, when he came to Ellicottville and settled on the farm where his son, Henry SOMERVILLE, now lives, in Somerville valley, so named in his honor.  He died in 1859; his wife died in 1852.  Mr. SOMERVILLE was a member of the Baptist church.  He had ten children who came to "The Valley" with their parents; only five are living.  Henry SOMERVILLE succeeded his father on the hornestead.  He was supervisor of Ellicottville in 1892 and was re-elected in 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 602

 

Surnames:  STAUNTON, BREWSTER, STAUNTON

 

John W. STAUNTON and his wife, Sally BREWSTER, were born in Massachusetts and soon after their marriage removed to Nunda, N. Y.  In March, 1820, with three children and all their household goods loaded in a heavy covered wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, they came to Ellicottville and settled on a farm.  He died here at the house now the home of the widow of Dr. J. B. STAUNTON, Dec. 13, 1858.  Mr. STAUNTON was a well educated gentleman of dignified deportment whose integrity was above question.  He was the first town clerk of Ellicottville in 1821, was supervisor in 1823, 1824, 1825, and 1829, and was clerk of Cattaraugus county from Jan. 2, 1826, to Jan. 1, 1838.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 602

 

Surname:  STOKES

 

William STOKES, son of Michael STOKES, was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1849; in 1856 his parents came to America, and in 1861 he settled with them on a farm in the north part of Ellicottville.  At the age of twenty-seven he became a carpenter, and almost continually since then has been engaged as a contractor and builder, employing from twelve to twenty men.  Mr. STOKES is a skillful mechanic and drafts his own work.  The Union school building in Ellicottville, the new Crawford House, the Catholic church at Suspension Bridge, the Congregational church at Kane, Pa., the Catholic church at Tonawanda, and numerous residences are monuments to his skill.

 

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TYLER Family of Ellicottville

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Pages 600 - 602

 

Surname:  TYLER

 

Asher TYLER became land agent for the Devereux tract in 1836, and during his residence in Ellicottville he was elected to Congress.  He was a man who commanded universal respect and possessed remarkable ability.  He subsequently removed to Elmira and was appointed land agent of the Erie railroad, and died there in 1875.  "He knew the Indian when as yet the white man's mastery over lands west of Schenectady was only in process of recognition."

 

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VAUGHAN Family of Ellicottville

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 603

 

Surnames:  VAUGHAN, ROOD, LITCHFIELD

 

Joseph VAUGHAN, of English descent, married Lydia ROOD and in 1810 removed to Pennsylvania.  In 1822 they settled in the woods on Bryant hill and about 1830 located in Somerville valley, where they spent the remainder of their lives.  Mr. VAUGHAN was a blacksmith before he came to Ellicottville.  He had twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity.  Joseph Millen VAUGHAN, their first child, born in Massachusetts, May 21, 1808 married Polly LITCHFIELD, of Ellicottville, Feb. 17, 1832, who was born in Chesterfield, Mass., Sept. 6, 1811.  They settled on a woodland farm adjoining his father's place, where Mrs., VAUGHAN still resides.  Mr. VAUGHAN died Jan. 13, 1870.  Their eleven children all grew to maturity.

 

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WALRATH Family of Ellicottville

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 603

 

Surnames:  WALRATH, RICHARDS, CHASE

 

Walter WALRATH, son of David and Elizabeth WALRATH, was born in Manheim, Herkimer county, Aug. 28, 1826, and in 1844 came to Cattaraugus county.  In Dec., 1852, he married Mary RICHARDS and in 1856 settled on a farm near Great Valley Center, which he still owns.  He enlisted in the Union army in 1862, leaving his wife and four helpless children, the youngest an infant only six days old.  He followed the vicissitudes of the 154th Regiment three years, except that he was a prisoner four months, and escaped without a wound, but had several hair-breadth escapes.  A bullet passed through his cap and clipped a lock of his hair, and again his gun was shivered in pieces in his hands.  In 1865 he was discharged and is now leading a retired life in the village of Ellicottville.  His children are Adelaide (Mrs. J. CHASE), Nelson D., Dr. Charles M. (see Medical Chapter), Walter D., and John C.

 

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WEIR Family of Ellicottville

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ellicottville – Chapter XXVI (26)

Page 603

 

Surnames:  WEIR, BEEBE

 

A. Spencer WEIR married Lucretia BEEBE and settled on a farm in Freedom in 1836.  He was an exemplary citizen and died there in 1888; Mrs. WEIR died in 1877.  Their oldest son, Charles A. WEIR, born in 1852, received an academic education, learned the mercantile business, and at the age of twenty years became a general merchant in Arcade.  A year later he removed to Yorkshire Center and in 1889 settled in Ellicottville, opening a furniture store and an undertaking establishment.  His maternal grandfather, Charles BEEBE, was a very early pioneer of Freedom.  In his early manhood he built a log house in the woods and brought to this home his young wife and their first-born child.  He resided in Freedom until the approach of old age, when he and his wife retired to Arcade, where they died.

 

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TOWN OF FARMERSVILLE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 610

 

Surname:  ADAMS

 

Oliver H. ADAMS, born in Johnstown, N. Y., in January, 1800, settled in 1824 on the farm where he has passed his life.  He has probably done more hard work than any man in town.  His sons Warren and Edward live on the homestead.  His wife died in 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 610

 

Surname:  ADAMS

 

Cummings ADAMS settled in Farmersville in 1827, was nearly blind when he came here, soon became entirely so, and remained so until his death.  Of great strength and activity of mind and body, the town has had but few men better read than he.  His sons were for many years among the most influential in town.  Andrew, the youngest, now a citizen of Franklinville, represented the town two terms as supervisor and was a faithful and active trustee of the Ten Broeck Academy until his removal to that town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 610

 

Surnames:  ALEXANDER, BACON

 

Nelson and Joel H. ALEXANDER came to town in 1835, bought land in company, and while clearing up their farms both worked a portion of the time at the blacksmith trade.  Nelson was an expert horseshoer and has been a successful farmer on the lands originally bought by the brothers, where he now lives.  Nelson ALEXANDER, son of Solomon and Gratia ALEXANDER, was born in Winchester N. H., April 26, 1807, came at the age of twenty three to Otsego county, where in 1831 he married Polly BACON, and removed thence to this town.  Mrs. ALEXANDER died Nov. 7, 1887.  They had eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity.  His son Albert D. is the only representative here.  By reading and study he has become one of the ablest men of the town.  His wife, a woman of great executive ability, will long be remembered as a kind neighbor and excellent nurse.  After a few years the brothers dissolved partnership and Joel, the younger, is now living in New Hudson, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 610

 

Surnames:  AUSTIN, DOUD, TARBELL, LEWIS

 

William AUSTIN, a veteran of the War of 1812, a native of the eastern part of this State, and a son of John, removed to Pittsford, Monroe county, where he married Rebecca DOUD, and came in 1827 to this town, where he built a log house, cleared a farm, and ten years later sold out.  He immediately began clearing the second farm, where his wife died in 1843.  Six of his eight children grew to maturity, viz.: Susannah, Elihu D., Hannah, Sarah H., Anna, and William D.  Mr. AUSTIN died in 1884.  Elihu D. AUSTIN, born May 21, 1825, married Jane, daughter of Laban and Sarah (TARBELL) LEWIS, and has eight children:  Zina, Lucinda M., John W., Albert H., Reuben L., Fred E., James W., and Luther M.  Zina AUSTIN enlisted in the Rebellion and served on the gunboat Key West, participated in five engagements, was taken sick, and died on the boat Red Rover, Jan. 11, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 611

 

Surnames:  BACKUS, BAKER, RHOADES, HOWARD

 

Henry BACKUS started in the race about the same time with others who came to town during its early settlement.  For fifteen years his success, hardships, and endurance corresponded with the companions of his youth, when his wife, a sister of Marsena BAKER, was stricken down with consumption, leaving him seven small children.  His second marriage was inharmonious, which broke up the family, and he died in Boston in January, 1873.  Olive H. RHOADES, of Boston, Mass., is the only one living of the family.  Aaron B., the oldest child, emigrated to Oregon with his uncle in 1852, became wealthy, and died in 1882, leaving a large family.  Thomas went to Oregon in 1857, where he buried his wife and only son, after which his mind and health became impaired and he died in 1890.  James H. was a Congregational preacher, started for Oregon in 1860, and was shipwrecked between San Francisco and Portland.  The hardships and exposures impaired his mind and health, and returning to this town in 1869 he died in 1881 at his brother William's.  Elizabeth, the oldest daughter and first wife of George HOWARD, died in 1843.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 611

 

Surnames:  BAKER, COBB, GILBERT, PEET

 

Marsena BAKER was born in Brimfield, Mass., acquired a large landed property, mostly earned by hard work, economy, and good judgment, and inherited a few hundred acres from his father.  Aside from him there was up to this time scarcely a man that received as much as $100 by inheritance.  While discharging his duty as Committee on Charitable Institutions as member of Assembly he caught the small-pox and died at his brother's in Brimfield, Mass., aged fifty-two.  His widow, a woman of culture, great versatility of reading, and many virtues, still lives on the old homestead.  The oldest daughter married judge COBB, a former resident of the county, and lives in Kansas City, Mo.  The second is the wife of Frank GILBERT, of Chicago.  The fourth married Putnam PEET, youngest son of Levi PEET.  The two sons are unmarried.  The children received nearly all their education in the checkered school house; the younger ones had some advantages at Ten Broeck Academy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 611

 

Surnames:  BALDWIN, HINDS, PROCTOR, BLACKMON, TARBELL

 

William BALDWIN, son of Benjamin, a Baptist preacher in Vermont, came to Farmersville about 1835 and settled upon the farm where his son, D. P. BALDWIN, now resides, and where he died.  His wife was Martha HINDS, a native of Vermont.  He had six children, of whom three are living: Benjamin, Martha (Mrs. A. PROCTOR), and D. P.  The latter married Susan BLACKMON and has one daughter, Bertha A. (Mrs. M. O. TARBELL).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 611

 

Surnames:  BREWER, KNIGHT, HOVEY

 

Jacob BREWER came from Pittsfield, N. Y., with his family about 1833 and settled in the west part of the town, where he took up some wild land and built a log house.  Of his four children two are living:  Mrs. Olive KNIGHT in Franklinville and Maria (Mrs. Aaron HOVEY) in Missouri.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 611

 

Surnames:  BULLOCK, WOODBURY, CRONK, TERRY, RICHARDSON

 

Preserved BULLOCK was a settler of 1824; his sons Preserved and Woodbury (twins) are dead.  Elisha, a son of Preserved, owns and lives on the homestead.  Horace, a son of Woodbury, is living near Franklinville Station and his mother lives with him.  The wife of Preserved, Sr., was Lydia WOODBURY, and both died on the homestead.  Preserved, Jr., was born Feb. 5, 1804, married, Nov. 13, 1831, Malana CRONK who was born May 17, 1804, and died Aug. 18, 1879.  Mrs. BULLOCK died Feb. 23, 1879.  Their two children were Joel and Elisha, the former of whom was burned to death.  Elisha was born October 1, 1835.  Nov. 1, 1857, he married Anna A., daughter of Orrin and Augusta Hayden TERRY.  They have five children.  Woodburry BULLOCK married Eunice RICHARDSON, who survives him.  Mr. BULLOCK died June 15, 1872.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 611 & 612

 

Surnames:  BURR, MUNGER, GOULD, ADAMS

 

Duma BURR was born in Denmark, N. Y., in 1812.  In 1832 he married Lucy MUNGER and in 1849 removed with his family to Farmersville, where he was for many years a justice of the peace and a respected citizen.  He was a member of the M. E. church and died in 1887, his wife dying in 1876.  Children: Allen C., who died in 1860; Amelia S. (Mrs. George GOULD), of Franklinville, and Triphena (Mrs. William H. ADAMS), who resides on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surnames:  BUTLER, SAGE, DOUGLASS, HOLMES, GRAVES

 

Harvey BUTLER, son of Richard and Mercy (SAGE) BUTLER, natives of Connecticut, came to Farmersville in March, 1823, and in September following his wife, Lovisa DOUGLASS, came on with their five children.  They lived on two different farms here until 1854, when they moved to Sparta, Wis., where he died in 1871 and where his wife died in 1866.  Their daughters were all educated in the public schools and did good service in teaching.  The only ones now living are Mrs. Eliza A. HOLMES and Mrs. Laura H. GRAVES, of Franklinville.  One son, the oldest of the family, died when sixteen; another is living in Sparta, Wis.  The girls were all married.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surnames:  CARPENTER, PEET

 

David CARPENTER, a nephew of Levi PEET, was apprenticed to him soon after PEET was married.  He married in town, raised a large family, and for many years was one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the county, representing the town as supervisor, town clerk, and justice of the peace many years.  The too free use of his name endorsing notes, etc., led to his failure in old age, but he strained every nerve to prevent loss to his friends, for many years working by the day or at odd jobs to earn his support or pay debts.  He remained a citizen of the town until 1889 and voted at elections for nearly sixty years.  In politics he was first an anti-Mason, next a Whig, and then a Republican until 1872, when he supported Horace Greeley, and for the last six years has voted with the Prohibitionists.  A Baptist in religion he has all his life been a teetotaler.  Born in Massachusetts he belongs to a family noted for extraordinary memories, which distinguished him, enabling him to transact much business; he was a sort of encyclopedia among his neighbors.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surnames:  CARPENTER, WEBSTER

 

Zenas CARPENTER was born July 9, 1801, and settled in this town in 1827 with his wife, Laura WEBSTER, and two children.  He afterward removed to the Bullard district, whence he went in 1844 to Lyndon, where be died Dec. 18, 1854.  Children:  Warren and Laura.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surname:  CHAFFEE

 

Michael CHAFFEE settled in 1821 and raised five boys and two girls.  The boys were remarkable for physical strength.  De Nike, the youngest, the only representative living in town, is a well-to-do farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surnames:  CLEAVELAND, BLACKMON, CRAWFORD

 

Lucius CLEAVELAND came to Farmersville in 1851 and died here in 1876, his wife dying in 1882.  Of his seven children five are living: Norris, Freeman, Matilda (Mrs. Horace BLACKMON), Charles S., and Delos.  Norris CLEAVELAND married Marion CRAWFORD, and has had three daughters, all deceased.  Lucius CLEAVELAND was a stone mason by trade, a native of Rhode Island by birth, and an Englishman by ancestry.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surnames:  CUMMINGS, GRAVES

 

Solomon CUMMINGS came to Farmersville in 1829 and a few years later married Jonathan GRAVES's eldest daughter, Mariette.  He was a merchant here and represented the town on the Board of Supervisors in 1843, 1844, 1846, and 1848.  For a number of years he has lived in Franklinville, in which chapter a further notice of him appears.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 612

 

Surnames:  CUTTING, BANCROFT, POTTER

 

David CUTTING emigrated from New Berlin, N. Y., about 1824, settling with his wife, Nancy BANCROFT, upon a tract of one hundred acres on lot 32, where he erected a log house, set out an orchard, and cleared a farm.  His children were Diana, Mianda, Risina, and David L., the latter of whom resides on the homestead.  David L. married Mary C. POTTER and has one son, Frank L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 612 & 613

 

Surnames:  DAY, TOZER

 

David DAY was a settler of 1829; he died in 1804.  His son James owns the homestead, to which he has made additions.  Nelson, the second son, lives on and owns a part of the old TOZER place.  His farm had the first fruitbearing orchard in town, and it is yet among the best.  William is a dentist in Franklinville, and Daniel B. lives in Kansas, and Clark, the youngest, died there.  Daniel B. was in the battle of Fair Oaks and received five severe gunshot wounds, his being one of the most marvelous escapes from death recorded during the war.  His vigorous constitution, great strength, and temperate habits can alone account for his marvelous recovery.  James DAY represented the town of Farmersville on the Board of Supervisors in 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 613

 

Surnames:  EVANS, DAVIS, LEONARD

 

James EVANS was born in March, 1811, in South Wales, whence he emigrated to America and to Freedom in 1852, with his wife, Mary DAVIS, and three children.  Mrs. EVANS died July 11, 1870, and Mr. EVANS resides with his daughter Mary (Mrs. Theodore LEONARD).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 613

 

Surnames:  GILLET, COMSTOCK

 

George W. GILLET, successor to Jacob COMSTOCK, the first merchant, built a store in 1828.  In connection with it he ran an ashery, making pearlash and potash, nearly the only cash articles manufactured or raised for many years.  Mr. GILLET was an enterprising man, but failed in business after a few years.  He served the county as clerk from 1841 to 1844 and emigrated west soon after his term expired.  Himself, wife, and children are all dead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 613

 

Surnames:  GRAVES, GILLET, TOZER, CUMMINGS

 

Jonathan GRAVES, son of Jonathan, settled at the Center in 1828 and was a partner of G. W. GILLET in the mercantile business a number of years; he afterward bought Richard TOZER's tavern.  His oldest son, Grove B. GRAVES, remained a citizen of the town and died in 1889 on the farm his father had owned.  His second son, Delos, is a merchant in Franklinville.  The daughters were accomplished ladies.  The eldest, Mariette, is the wife of Solomon CUMMINGS, of Franklinville. Julia, the wife of J. T. CUMMINGS, died in Arcade, where they lived, in 1872.  Her life was one of great labor.  She was equalled by few and excelled by none.  She was among the sweetest of singers and most accomplished and beautiful women the town was proud to own.  Jonathan GRAVES was supervisor of Farmersville in 1831.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 613 & 614

 

Surnames:  HENRY, CHEESEMAN

 

Gideon HENRY was born in 1777 and settled in Farmersville in 1826.  In August of that year his right shoulder was dislocated by the kick of an ox.  It was not properly set, inflammation and rheumatism set in, and for many weeks he was a great sufferer.  The neighbors were faithful in volunteering to watch with him night and day, and after he began to recover they made a large logging-bee.  This helped the elder boys, Backus and Thomas, so they sowed about the quantity of winter wheat the father had intended.  He died here January 14, 1857.  Of Protestant Irish descent his father emigrated to Colchester, Conn., when seven years old (in 1737), and thence to Richfield, Otsego county, when Gordon was sixteen, where he was married to Phebe CHEESEMAN in 1803, and where all his children were born, five sons and three daughters.  He came to this town May 6, 1826.  Unselfish and charitable, honest and just, he was especially prompt to pay hired help.  He was deacon in the Presbyterian church, and after the division he sympathized with the new school.  He was one of the first to embrace the temperance movement and espouse the cause of the slave, and discarded the use of tobacco when sixty years old after using it over forty years.  With Phebe, his wife, he lived a loving and respectful union of fifty-four years.  Their oldest son, Anson G. HENRY, was a person of many virtues and varied experience.  He studied medicine in Richfield Springs, N. Y., and Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1829 came to visit his parents in Farmersville, where he taught the district school the following winter.  Completing his medical education he located in Springfield, Ill., in 1832, and became a close and a life-long friend of Abraham Lincoln.  Dr. HENRY took an active interest in the politics of the State and was elected and appointed to places of importance and great trust.  He moved to Oregon and in 1861 was appointed surveyor-general of Washington territory, which position he held until his death.  After Lincoln's assassination Dr. HENRY accompanied the remains on their journey to Springfield and sailed for his home in Oregon on board the Brother Jonathan, but was wrecked Aug. 12, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 614

 

Surnames:  HENRY, HOOPER, LAWTON, McKERROW

 

Joseph HENRY, of Irish descent, was born in 1815, came to this town in 1827, and for two years rented the John HOOPER place.  He then bought a portion of the farm he now owns, and by industry, aided by an excellent wife (Amanda LAWTON), has added to his lands and other personal property until he is one of the wealthiest men in town.  Since the completion of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg railroad he has kept a general store and his sons John and Andrew have conducted the farm.  Since the death of his wife, in 1875, he has lived alone with his youngest daughter.  He has three other daughters married and two sons deceased.  Andrew HENRY was born Aug. 26, 1856, and married in 1879 Jennie McKERROW; children living: Matthew and Blanch.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 614 & 615

 

Surnames:  HENRY, WOOD

 

William HENRY, the youngest son of Gordon, was born in Richfield, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1818, and married Sophia C. WOOD, of Gainesville, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1843.  The union has been harmonious and their progress along the same lines of thought and belief.  For over sixty years he has taken an active part in all matters of public interest; especially has he always been an earnest worker in the temperance and anti-slavery reforms; never used tobacco, always avoided late hours, and strenuously opposed all luxurious living and show.  From 1831 to 1854 he was a Presbyterian, but then became converted to modern spiritualism.  For many years he was a pioneer school teacher, the wages at first being $9 per month.  In the winter of 1843 - 44 he taught for $14 and boarded himself.  Besides this he had from two to four night schools each week.  Teachers at that time set copies for the scholars and made and mended good quill pens.  In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a radical Republican.  In 1872 he supported Greeley for president.  From that time until 1890 he acted with the Democrats and since then has been a leading and enthusiastic member of the People's party.  For over thirty years he has been a prolific writer for the local press; and has occasionally written for leading papers in Boston, New York, Elmira, Buffalo, Rochester, and Chicago.  His communications generally command the attention and respect if not the approval of readers.  His honesty, his courage, and his independence can not be questioned.  It became his duty by common consent to lead in raising the quota called for the spring of 1864.  He volunteered himself and in less than twenty-four hours the quota of the town was filled.  He was supervisor in 1866 and has held other offices of trust.  He served on the gunboat Paw Paw until the close of the war and was able to do full duty nearly every day.  Since seventy years old he has nearly retired from business and has devoted his life to reading and writing.  Besides his prose writings he has written some verses that have been approved by the best minds in the country.  He read an interesting poem in 1892 at the Pioneers Picnic.  His education was limited to the log school houses and one term in the high school in Springfield, Ill., in 1839 - 40.  At that time he made the acquaintance of Lincoln, Douglass, and many more of the men who afterward acquired national prominence.  Mr. HENRY often repeats the immortal words of Lincoln:  "With charity for all and malice towards none," and Paul's summing up: "Charity never faileth."

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 615

 

Surnames:  HOLMES, BUTLER, SILL, SEARL

 

Peter HOLMES became a citizen of the town in 1820, bought land, and lived upon it until his death in March, 1864, getting his first start making woodenware by hand.  He and his wife were very hardy, substantial. people, and reared five sons and one daughter.  Cicero S., the second son, is the only representative still living in town.  Born here in 1823 he has been an exceptionally industrious and hardworking farmer.  Luther M. HOLMES is a son of Hosea and Eliza A. (BUTLER) HOLMES and was born Oct. 25, 1851.  In 1876 he married Ettie, daughter of Lyman and Maria (SILL) SEARL, and has two children, Mattie and Ernest.  He is an industrious farmer and a representative citizen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 615

 

Surnames:  HOOPER, THRASHER, KING, BLAIR, ROGERS

 

Ebenezer HOOPER, Jr., was born in New Berlin, Otsego county, came to Farmersville about 1833, and settled and cleared the farm now occupied by his son Lyman.  He was a member of the Freewill Baptist church and a man respected and esteemed by his neighbors, and died in 1869.  Mr. HOOPER married Caroline THRASHER, who died in 1839, leaving him one child, William, who lives in this town.  For his second wife he married Almira KING, who bore him five children:  Lyman, Solomon, Cornelia, Mary A., and Mary A., 2d.  Both of the latter are deceased.  Lyman HOOPER is a farmer.  Born Feb. 4, 1843, he married, in 1863, Florinda, daughter of Robert BLAIR, and has five children:  Alta L. (Mrs. James ROGERS), Wallace W., Bertha E., Flora B., and Frankie.  Another daughter, Mary C., died in infancy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 615

 

Surnames:  HOWARD, MILLS, BRYANT

 

George HOWARD came to this town in 1830 and bought the farm owned by Joseph MILLS.  An excellent farmer, a good neighbor, and a public spirited citizen he emigrated to Le Roy, N. Y., in 1868, where he died in 1882.  His oldest son went to California, where he still lives.  A daughter went to Oregon in 1863.  Frank, the third child by the first wife, was killed at Gettysburg.  The children of the second wife are Thomas, Byron, Charles, and Anson (deceased).  Anna, the eldest daughter, is unmarried and lives with her mother in Le Roy.  Ella (Mrs. Clarence BRYANT) lives in York, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 615 & 616

 

Surnames:  HUBBARD, HAYFORD, BLACKMON, WATKINS, SCOTT

 

Russel HUBBARD with his father, who survived him only a few years, and his brother Lyman, who soon removed to Rushford, came in 1821 and settled on a farm of two hundred acres in the east part of the town, where he lived until a few years before his death at Waverly, N. Y.  Being one of the best informed and finely cultivated men in the county he was discovered by Horace Greeley and by his influence was nominated and elected to the Assembly in 1831.  He also served the town as supervisor, school commissioner, and in other places of trust, and might have been returned to the Legislature, or sent to Congress, or appointed to other positions if he had sought them.  A most interesting and fascinating man in conversation he had the elements of an orator, but would only say a few words in public at a time.  After being an active member of the Methodist church for many years he became converted to modern spiritualism.  He remained a citizen of this town until a few years before his death, which occurred at Waverly in 1875.  His remains now rest in the Farmersville cemetery beside his wife, who survived him a few months.  His son Jedediah born Jan. 24, 1828, a farmer, represents him in town.  Jedediah married, Feb. 21, 1861, Ann E., daughter of James and Percy (HAYFORD) BLACKMON;  children:  Jessie (Mrs. Glenn WATKINS), Russel C., and Hattie M.  For some thirteen years he has been town assessor.  An only daughter of Russel, Hattie SCOTT, is living in Chicago, Ill.  The oldest and only other surviving son, Rial W., lives in Chicago and has been a member of the Legislature.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 616

 

Surname:  JEWELL

 

Abel JEWELL came from Sherburne, Chenango county, in 1841, settling on the farm now owned by his nephew, Michael A.  This he cleared and improved, reclaiming it from a thickly wooded tract to fertile, cultivated fields.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 616

 

Surnames:  KING, HAWKINS, POTTER

 

Solomon J. KING, son of Samuel and a native of Genesee county, was born March 22, 1818, came with his father to Cattaraugus county, and married Euphema, daughter of Ezra and Betsey HAWKINS.  Mr. KING is a mason by trade and a farmer by occupation, residing on the homestead of his father.  They have a son, Lewis A., who married Ellen L. POTTER and has one child, Lora E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 616

 

Surnames:  KNIGHT, BREWER

 

Andrew KNIGHT, Jr., son of Andrew, was born in Pittsfield, N. Y., in 1808, and in 1830 married Olive BREWER.  The same year they moved to Farmersville onto a farm of 100 acres.  Mr. KNIGHT was well known in the county.  He bought and drove cattle to Philadelphia, and was supervisor of Farmersville in 1867.  Of his six children only one, Fremont, is living.  Andrew KNIGHT died April 19, 1886; his widow lives in Franklinville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 616

 

Surname:  LANE

 

Dea. Timothy LANE and his sons Lloyd, Jacob, and Samuel settled on farms on lot 39.  The deacon was a Baptist and a gifted man in conference and prayer meetings.  The three sons and three daughters comprising his family are deceased.  The oldest son of Lloyd, James H., is an enterprising farmer here.  His success has been phenomenal.  In 1868 he bought a large and poor hill farm, mostly on credit, and has made it into a pleasant home.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 616

 

Surnames:  LAW, STRONG, PARISH

 

Ezra B. LAW is a son of Eliphalet and Mary E. (STRONG) LAW.  Born in this town Dec. 16, 1853, he married, April 12, 1873, Eva, daughter of Zabad PARISH, and has been a farmer and dealer in cattle and horses.  Children: Lovina (deceased), Vernia E., Bertha E. (deceased), and Reuben W.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 616

 

Surnames:  LEONARD, DAVIS, BYDLEMAN, THOMAS, EVANS

 

Benjamin LEONARD, son of Evan and Margaret (DAVIS) LEONARD, was born July 2, 1828, and came to Freedom in June, 1844.  He married Jenette BYDLEMAN and had these children:  Dora, Theodore, Julia, Sarah, Jane (deceased), George (deceased), Charles E., Melvin E., Eddie (deceased), Hattie J., and William B.  By his second wife, Martha THOMAS, he had children Gretta G., Lewis J., Mary E., David T., and Eliza A.  Theodore LEONARD was born in Freedom Feb. 8, 1851, received his education in the common schools and in Ten Broeck Academy, and married in 1879 Mary EVANS;  children: James F. and Irving B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 616 & 617

 

Surnames:  LITTLE, HINES, WRIGHT, SISSON, POTTER, CURTIS, SESSIONS, MANWARING, LOOMIS, DRUMB

 

William S. LITTLE, who came into Farmersville as a farmer in 1840, was a native of Middletown, Conn., for some time a resident of Genesee county, raised thirteen children, and died at the age of ninety-seven years.  Five of his family are living, viz.: Elizabeth (Mrs. E. HINES), Sarah (Mrs. Amos WRIGHT), Emily (Mrs. Clark SISSON), Walter N., and Fred M.  The latter owns and occupies the homestead.  Walter N. LITTLE was born in Bethany, N. Y., Dec. 6, 1822, came to Farmersville with the family in 1840, and in 1845 married Eliza A., daughter of Jeremiah and Betsey POTTER;  children: Adelbert W. (deceased), Amelia (Mrs. E. CURTIS), Bessie L. (Mrs. M. L. SESSIONS), and Orville.  Mr. LITTLE resides on the farm he originally settled, and carried on his back from Farmersville Center the apple trees now comprising his orchard.  Feb. 17, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 105th N. Y. Vols., and was with the regiment until its discharge, acting as teamster.

 

Frederick M. LITTLE, son of William S. and Lurana (MANWARING) LITTLE, was born in this town Nov. 27, 1840, on the farm on which he now resides.  May 13, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 71st N. Y. Vols., and participated in the engagements of Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg.  At Second Bull Run be was taken sick, sent to Philadelphia, and rejoined his regiment in April, 1863, and was discharged July 31, 1864.  Returning home he went to Warren, Pa., where he married Carrie B. LOOMIS, and in 1878 resumed his residence in Farmersville.  Children:  Charles F. and Nellie M. (Mrs. H. W. DRUMB).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 617

 

Surnames:  LOVE, LANE, ROGERS, COLERICK, KIDDER, MARTIN, CHARLES

 

Charles LOVE, born March 22, 1798, settled here in 1827.  He was most scrupulously honest and faithful to every obligation.  His wife was Katie LANE and they had eight children.  Their son James remains on the homestead.  George is a farmer in Freedom.  Elanah, wife of John RUST, and Catherine, wife of Landes ROGERS, reside in this town.  Thomas lives in Portville, as does also Mary (Mrs. N. COLERICK).  Martha (Mrs. H. ROGERS) resides in Humphrey.  James LOVE was born Dec. 26, 1832.  Aug. 28, 1864, he married Harriet L., daughter of Benjamin and Lucy (KIDDER) MARTIN.  Children:  Nettie L., Lillie M. (Mrs. Milton CHARLES), Anna J., Charles B., and Edna May.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 617

 

Surnames:  MARTIN, KIDDER, BULLARD, TURNER, PATTERSON, LOVE, LOCKE, JOSLYN, BLOUNT, PRESCOTT

 

Benjamin MARTIN, a native of Salisbury, Vt., came to Yorkshire in 1834 and in 1851 removed to this town, locating five years later on the farm his son William P. now owns.  By his wife, Lucy KIDDER, he had eleven children, all but one of whom are living, viz.: Mary (Mrs. Daniel BULLARD), Caroline (Mrs. Harvey TURNER), Ann (Mrs. Nathaniel PATTERSON), Benjamin F., Henry G., Hiram A., Harriet L. (Mrs. James LOVE), Ellen J. (Mrs. Harlan LOCKE), William P., and Clara A. (Mrs. Fayette JOSLYN).  Susan is deceased.  William P. MARTIN was born in Yorkshire, Feb. 4, 1845.  Nov. 19, 1868, he married Adelaide, daughter of Horace and Laura (BLOUNT) PRESCOTT;  children:  Erdine L., Leona A., Prescott U., Burnett H., Denton E., and Ethel L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 617 & 618

 

Surnames:  MERRILL, WILTERTON, WATSON, PRATT, WATERS, BIGELOW, BELDEN, MERRY, SMITH, HOWE, STEELE, HAYES, ALDRICH, BAILET, PERSONS, HILSLE

 

The MERRILL family in America is of English descent and date their residence in this country to the year 1633 or 1634.  Nathaniel MERRILL and his brother John, as near as can be ascertained, were natives of Wiltshire, England, came to America in 1633 - 34, and resided in Ipswich, Mass., about a year.  They then removed to Newbury, Mass., where they were farmers and original settlers.  The homestead of Nathaniel has but recently passed out of the possession of his descendants.  Nathaniel and Susanna, his wife, had four sons and a daughter.  Their son John was adopted by Gregory WILTERTON, supposed to be his uncle (the brother of his mother, Susanna), and at his death he inherited his estate.  John married Sarah WATSON and they had eight sons and two daughters.  Their fifth son, Wilterton, married, first, Ruth PRATT, and second, Hannah WATERS, who was the mother of Gideon MERRILL.  Gideon married Mary BIGELOW and had sons Samuel and Nathaniel.  Nathaniel married Hannah BELDEN and they had sixteen children.  Their seventh child, Allen, was born in Litchfield, Conn., and early in life became a pioneer of Litchfield, N. Y., where his brother-in-law, Samuel MERRY, was the first settler.  Allen MERRILL married Tammie SMITH and they were parents of eleven children.  His fifth child, Smith MERRILL, was born in Johnstown, Montgomery county, Oct. 16, 1810, and came to Yorkshire in 1835.  In the early part of 1838 he married Melinda, daughter of John HOWE, who settled in Yorkshire in 1832.  Mr. MERRILL was a tailor and opened a merchant tailor's store, and remained there in trade until 1849.  He then located in the village of Franklinville, where he continued his business until the financial embarrassments of 1857, when he closed out.  In 1859 he removed to a farm in Farmersville, where he was a farmer until 1881, with two years of the time in the same occupation in Great Valley.  He has since then resided near his son, Perry E. MERRILL, and two of his daughters in the town of Freedom.  This family consists of ten children:  Henry S., John B., Emmett W., Perry E., Addie E., Loraine H. STEELE, Wallace W., Mary E. HAYES, Grace M., and Frank M.  John B., Emmett W., and Addie E. are deceased.

 

Henry S. MERRILL, the eldest of this large family, was born in Yorkshire, June 5, 1839, was educated at the common schools, and at the age of fifteen he entered the printing office of the Olean journal, of which Charles ALDRICH was then editor and proprietor.  There he was an apprentice for three years, when he returned home and remained until the breaking out of the Rebellion.  He enlisted April 22, 1861, a private in Co. B, 23d N. Y. Vols., and followed the vicissitudes of his regiment the next two years, being honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlistment.  He participated in the battles of Manassas, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, (first and second) Chancellorsville, and several of lesser importance.  He escaped without a wound and was only four weeks in hospital.  Returning home upon his discharge he again went to the war and was engaged with an army sutler a year.  He was then a farmer until 1868, when he engaged in cheese-making, which he followed successfully until 1874 and was proprietor of three factories at the time he sold and left the business.  Since then he has been engaged as a farmer, station agent, insurance agent, and in the railway mail service four years.  His first presidential vote was given to Abraham Lincoln in Nov., 1864.  He cast his lot with the Republican party and there are few, if any, more zealous adherents in his town or county.  He served six terms as supervisor of Farmersville, where he has lived since 1868, and has held other places of trust both political and financial; and were he to die today his political account should balance.  Financially he has been better to acquire than to preserve.

 

In the fall of 1888 Mr. MERRILL received the Republican nomination for the office of county clerk and was elected by the flattering plurality of 2,291 votes.  He is now serving his second term acceptably and satisfactorily.  Mr. MERRILL is the first county clerk in this county who has succeeded himself since 1846, when Francis E. BAILET, formerly of Farmersville, was also his own successor.  Feb. 12, 1866, he married Miss Hattie E. PERSONS, daughter of Alonzo PERSONS of Rushford, N. Y., and they are the parents of a son and two daughters.  His son Emmett W., born Nov. 19, 1867, married Bula HILSLE on June 6, 1893, and is now aiding his father as special deputy clerk.  His oldest daughter, Hattie E., recently graduated at, the Normal School at Fredonia, N. Y., and the youngest, Mertie C., is at home.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Henry S. MERRILL

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 618

 

Surnames:  METCALF, WEIRE

 

Alvenus METCALF, son of Rufus, was born in Freedom in 1820, married Alma WEIRE, and settled finally in the northeast part of Farmersville, where he died on the farm where his son Carlos now lives.  His five sons were Carlos, Earl (deceased), George, Odell, and Charles.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 618

 

Surname:  MULLIKEN

 

Samuel MULLIKEN was among the early settlers.  To the girls the community is indebted for their faithful service as teachers.  Fidelia commenced teaching when only sixteen years old and received seventy-five cents per week: her labors and pure Christian example should perpetuate her name through all coming generations.  The family consisted of seven girls and two sons; of the girls all but one, Angeline, were married.  She died quite young.  The youngest son died in the west.  Edwin, the oldest, retains the old homestead, married, and is now living in Rushford, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 619

 

Surnames:  OLDER, TOZER, PACKARD, PEET, NOBLES, MULLIKEN, WOODS, CARPENTER

 

Sally OLDER was a worthy friend and co-worker as a pioneer teacher with Mary Ann TOZER, Miss PACKARD, Minerva PEET, the NOBLESes, and Fidelia MULLIKEN.  She has been twice married and is now a widow living in Illinois.  She was an excellent scholar, especially in mathematics, in which she had no equal in town.  All her learning was acquired without the aid of an academy or high school.  Marvin OLDER, an elder brother, was an able and very successful teacher in this and other towns during our early history.  Mr. OLDER has been a citizen of Franklinville many years and one of their best scholars and ablest writers in prose and poetry.  Paulina OLDER taught school as early as 1825 in district No. 2, at the Center, and the writer went to school in the same place during the summer of 1826.  Morden OLDER, brother of Marvin and an accomplished scholar and a successful teacher, studied law later in life and practiced in Moscow, N. Y., until his death.

 

Wallis OLDER, son of William, came to this town with his father in 1818, married Juliette MULLIKEN, followed farming and his trade of cooper, and died here after rearing a family of five children.  Alonzo, his son, married Mariam WOODS and had six children:  Charles E., William W., Rosa, Ella M., Frank, and Clyde.  Mr. OLDER's second wife is Jane CARPENTER.  He was town supervisor in 1880 and 1881 and is a prosperous farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 619

 

Surnames:  PATTERSON, MARTIN, BANCROFT

 

Nathaniel S. PATTERSON was born in this town April 8, 1842.  Enlisting in Co. D, 154th N. Y. Vols., he served until the close of the war, being discharged June 11, 1865.  April 22, 1864, he married Mrs. Lucy A., widow of Henry L. MARTIN, and has one daughter, Alta M. (Mrs. Frank BANCROFT).  Mr. PATTERSON is a progressive farmer on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 619

 

Surname:  PEET

 

Rufus PEET became a citizen of the town in 1828, was highly endowed, and few men had better memories or a more correct and ready flow of language.  He used to say that he obtained a mastery of language by a severe study of Webster's Dictionary; he divided the book into 365 parts, and each day learned to spell and define one of those parts.  At the end of the year he had mastered his task and never after that did he hesitate for a word when writing or speaking.  With all the qualities he possessed he seemed to lack the power to attract or please.  Perhaps the community is as much to blame for not listening and appreciating his superiority as he for not making a more judicious use of his wonderful gifts.  Levi PEET was a marked character in many directions.  It would hardly be possible to find a human form more devoid of grace and beauty.  Slim, six feet two inches tall, loose-jointed, having very few opportunities for school, he was undoubtedly possessed of latent powers susceptible of great development.  He was elected justice of the peace in 1822, and by the help of his excellent and well-educated wife he continually advanced in usefulness and influence until his death in 1863.  He became an able business man, studied law, and became quite a successful practitioner in justices' courts.  He was twice married; his wives were sisters.  To them he owes much for his success.  And to them he and the world are indebted for a large family of stalwart sons and cultivated daughters.  One of his sons in a letter to an old schoolmate in 1891 says:  "Some of us may not have filled the niche designed for us by our Creator, yet I think the boys and girls who lived in Farmersville sixty years ago will rank with the average."

 

Schuler PEET taught school a number of seasons, emigrated to Iowa, and became one of the ablest lawyers in that State.  Cornelius also went to Iowa, has been a successful farmer, and has ably represented his county in the Legislature.  S. L. PEET, before marriage, was a teacher.  They were sons of Levi.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surname:  POWELL

 

Joseph POWELL became a resident of Farmersville about 1828, settling near the center of the town on a tract of land he afterward sold to Cornelius Ten Broeck.  About 1853 he moved to Wisconsin, where he died.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surnames:  PRATT, STOCKWELL, THOMPSON

 

Truman C. PRATT, son of Jeremiah, Jr., was born in New Lisbon, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1825, came with his father to Lyndon, and subsequently removed to this town, settling in 1862 upon the farm he now occupies.  Jan. 1, 1851, he married Charlotte M. STOCKWELL;  children:  Eleanor S. (deceased), Lucien R., Rose M., and Ernest A.  Gertrude M., an adopted daughter, married Charles M. THOMPSON, and died Dec. 15, 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surname:  RICHARDSON

 

Enoch RICHARDSON came to Farmersville Center about 1828 and engaged in the tanning business.  He was afterward a farmer and eventually moved to Rushford, N. Y., where be died.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surnames:  ROBBINS, HENRY, BAKER, DROWN

 

Richard ROBBINS married the second daughter of Gordon HENRY.  His farm joined Mr. BAKER's.  Their children were all born and educated in the same school district.  In culture, reading, and literary taste Mrs. BAKER and Mrs. ROBBINS were much alike.  Mr. ROBBINS, a man of great strength and endurance, did a great deal of clearing by the job, and would chop twenty-five acres in 100 days and has chopped five and three-fourths cords of four-foot wood in a day.  He signed the pledge previous to his marriage in 1833 and was among the earliest to espouse the cause of the slave.  They had six sons and four daughters.  Two, Milton and Egbert (the twin brother of Albert, a policeman in New York) were killed in the Rebellion before Petersburg.  Richard was drowned and Frank, the youngest, died in Portland, Ore.; Ellen, the oldest, is not married; Elizabeth died when quite young; Esther F. has had superior advantages of travel and was a genius in sketching and drawing.  She has been twice married; her present husband is James BROWN, LL.D., of Portland, Ore., where she has had a home since 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surnames:  SESSIONS, SHEPARD, SWEET, LITTLE

 

Israel SESSIONS, born in Vermont, October 24, 1806, came with his parents to Oneida county, and moved thence in 1836 to Farmersville, where it is said he "cleared up more land than any man in the county."  Marrying Sophia SHEPARD he had born to him six children, of whom Albert served and died in the navy during the Civil war; Mariette (Mrs. Orson SWEET) is deceased; Luther enlisted in the Rebellion and died at Elmira; Marenus H. married Bessie L. LITTLE and has one child, Edith B.; Edwin C. resides on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surnames:  SMITH, BALCOM, IVES, BURGER, THOMAS

 

Nelson D. SMITH, son of Asa B., was born in Otsego county.  Coming to Rushford, Allegany county, he married there Adaline P. BALCOM, and was engaged in milling and cheese making.  In 1870 he came to this town, having since been a farmer and cheese maker, and now resides at the Center.  He has two sons, Melvin E. and Willis D., who are merchants in the Center village.  Melvin E. has been supervisor for several years, and in other positions he has served faithfully and honorably.  He married Mary L., daughter of James and Catherine (IVES) BURGER; children:  Genevieve and Mildred.  Willis D. SMITH married Florence J. THOMAS, and has one child, Harry C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 620

 

Surname:  STRONG

 

Ezra STRONG was among the early settlers and made a manly struggle with poverty while rearing and educating a family of six sons and three daughters, all of whom are living excepting the third son, Ezra B., and the youngest daughter, Mary Ann.  Walter and Jacob are farmers, the first living in Machias and the latter in Freedom.  William, the oldest, is a wealthy farmer in Michigan.  The two younger are well educated men.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 620 & 621

 

Surname:  TARBELL

 

D. O. TARBELL.-Among the few who have remained on the homestead of their father D. O. TARBELL, son of James TARBELL, has been most successful.  He took the farm, which was badly encumbered, cleared off the debts, and added largely to it by purchase.  His barns with all their contents were burned by lightning in the fall of 1877 and again in the fall of 1881.  The insurance covered only a small part of the loss.  Myron O., his son, superintends the farm and D. O. lives in Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 621

 

Surname:  TAYLOR

 

Chauncey TAYLOR was an emigrant from Otisco, Onondaga county, to Farmersville in 1820.  Settling on the farm where he died he reared three daughters and one son.  Edwin TAYLOR was supervisor of Farmersville in 1845.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 621

 

Surname: TEN BROECK

 

Hon. Peter TEN BROECK became a permanent resident of Farmersville in 1817 and at one time was the wealthiest man in town.  An extended sketch of him appears on page 278.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 621

 

Surname: THOMAS

 

Samuel THOMAS and his son and their families settled in town in 1840.  Samuel, Sr., is, dead.  His son Samuel A. still lives here, is a wit and a good story-teller, and has made a specialty of rearing blooded stock.  He has been acting justice of the peace for a number of terms, is a very ingenious person, and can make any common article in iron or wood.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 621

 

Surnames:  THOMAS, GILLEY, HAND, LEONARD

 

J. W. THOMAS, a native of Wales, England, came to Cattaraugus county in 1855 and to this town in 1860.  In 1857 he married Mary F., only daughter of Robert GILLEY.  Robert GILLEY came with his father to Farmersville when a small boy, married Clarinda HAND, and died on the homestead, which he had purchased.  Mr. THOMAS was a tanner and currier by trade and combined that vocation with farming, being fairly successful in both occupations.  His three children are Fred W., who was killed in an accident at Alpine. Tex., Sept. 19, 1890, Addie V. (Mrs. M. A. LEONARD), and Herman H.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 621

 

Surnames:  TOZER, PACKARD

 

Richard TOZER was born in Richfield, N. Y.  Soon after his settlement in 1817 he built additions to his one-room cabin and commenced keeping tavern.  A few years after he tore down the log cabin and built what was then considered a beautiful and spacious hotel, which still remains without scarcely any changes or repairs to this day, a period of over sixty years.  He was the first supervisor after the organization in 1822 and was re-elected in 1823, 1824, and 1826, and was a man of enterprise and ability.  He was noted for his sharp wit and burlesques and stories.  He had a large family of sons and daughters.  Addison, his oldest, was the first child born in the settlement.  His second daughter, Mary Ann, married John PACKARD in 1844.  They emigrated first to Galena, Ill., but now live in Chicago.  It seems quite proper to keep alive her memory in the town of her birth, where she received in the plain little school house all, or nearly all, her literary education, and where for years she and her husband will be remembered by their pupils for their faithful service and good examples as teachers.  She died in Aug., 1892.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 621

 

Surnames:  TYLER, ADAMS, BUTLER

 

Jamin, and Arthur TYLER came to this town with their father, Alvin, in 1826, and the father died a few months afterward.  They became farmers, retaining lands articled by their father, where Jamin lived until his death in 1888.  He has one son, Clayton, living in town, a daughter, Emma ADAMS, in Bradford, Pa., and another in Sandusky.  The widow of Jamin is still living on the homestead.  Arthur and his wife, Hurry, oldest daughter of Harvey BUTLER, died in Portville, where they had lived many years.  Lucius, an older brother, was a still earlier settler, a tanner, currier, and shoemaker, and an early justice of the peace.  Henry C., son of Jamin, resides in this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Pages 621 & 622

 

Surnames:  WAKEFIELD, WRIGHT, KNIGHT

 

Samuel WAKEFIELD, Jr., moved into Farmersville in 1844 and located on the farm now owned by Orin WRIGHT.  Born in Brattleboro, Vt., in 1800 he reared a family of eight children, and died on the homestead respected by a wide circle of friends.  His wife was Polly KNIGHT and their children now living are Benjamin F., Delia H., Mary J., Fenner, Charles B., and William K.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 622

 

Surnames:  WILDER, SKINNER, TARBELL, BROWN, HENRY

 

Charles WILDER, a native of Windham county, Vt., emigrated to Otsego county, whence his son Reuben came to Farmersville in 1837, where he settled on the farm now owned by his son R. S., and where he died.  His wife was Elsie L. SKINNER, who bore him four children:  Frances M. (Mrs. D. O. TARBELL), Mary A., Sarah A. (Mrs. N. BROWN), and Reuben S.  The latter was born Aug. 17, 1829, came to this town with his father, and Feb. 25, 1857, married Sarah J., daughter of Joseph HENRY, by whom he has one son, Millard R.  For nine years he lived in Fairview, where be was postmaster and a grocer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 622

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, OSMAN

 

William C. WILLIAMS, son of John, was born in Pembrockshire, South Wales, in 1848, came to America and to Freedom in 1868, and worked by the month until 1878, when he built a store at Farmersville Station, where he has since been engaged in the mercantile business.  He married Carlie, daughter of Alonzo OSMAN, and has been postmaster.  Mr. WILLIAMS has acquired an excellent reputation as a thorough business man.  The first merchant at the Staton he is one of the very few laboring men who saved enough from their wages in an iron-mill to bring them to America and start them in business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 622

 

Surname:  WORTHINGTON

 

John WORTHINGTON, whose father was an early settler of Freedom, became a citizen of this town quite early, where his children were born and educated.  The oldest, Dubios, became an accomplished scholar and a popular preacher.  William, a lawyer, was corporation attorney of the city of Buffalo when he died in 1890.  Another son is a carpenter (the trade of his father).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Farmersville – Chapter XXVII (27)

Page 622

 

Surnames:  WRIGHT, LITTLE, WAKEFIELD, LAW

 

Amos WRIGHT came from Genesee county to Freedom in 1824, settling on 160 acres of land near Elton.  There he cleared a farm and worked at his trade of carpenter and millwright and removed to this town in 1838, locating on the place now owned by Henry LITTLE, where he was killed by a falling tree.  He had ten children, of whom four are living:  Amos, Jr., Orin, Harriet, and Sally.  Orin WRIGHT, a native of Freedom, was born Feb. 23, 1829.  Dec. 5, 1852 he married Angeline C. WAKEFIELD, who has borne him eight children, six of whom are living:  Samuel, Charles E., Albert B., Irving P., Orin S., and Katie D.  His wife died in June, 1888, and for his second wife Mr. WRIGHT married Mrs. Mary J. LAW.  He is a farmer and a carpenter.

 

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TOWN OF FRANKLINVILLE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 646

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, BUNTING, ROOT

 

George ADAMS was a native of London, England, and came to Humphrey in this county in 1830.  He was born Jan. 16, 1805 and died Oct. 27, 1890, residing in Sugartown for sixty years.  His wife was Mary BUNTING, also a native of England; she died March 28, 1874.  Of their five children two, Sarah (Mrs. Warren S. ROOT) and George W., are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 646

 

Surnames:  ANTISDALE, COON, STORRS, LINDSAY, PATTERSON, OAKES

 

Moses ANTISDALE came to Franklinville from Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1829, and settled on lot 45, previously purchased.  He finally sold out and moved into Morgan hollow, where he resided until his wife's death in 1860.  He married Nancy COON, of Cherry Valley, previous to coming to this town.  Children: Mary J. (Mrs. G. C. STORRS), Diantha (Mrs. Walter LINDSAY), Willard, Sarah Ann, Louisa (Mrs. William PATTERSON), Anna (Mrs. John OAKES), and Luther S.  Mr. ANTISDALE and Luther went to Illinois in 1860.  In 1861 Luther  enlisted in Co. A, 2d Ill. Cav., and was soon promoted orderly, in which capacity he served until General Oglesby was mortally wounded at Corinth, Oct. 3, 1862.  After General Oglesby's death he served under Gen. John A. Logan.  He was in many battles along the Mississippi, including Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and Vicksburg, through all of which he passed without a wound, but afterward died of intermittent fever in the military hospital at New Orleans in the fall of 1863.  Moses ANTISDALE enlisted a few months later and received an injury on board a gunboat at the siege of Fort Donelson, in consequence of which he was discharged and died aboard the cars on his way home, in April, 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 646

 

Surnames:  BARD, FREEMAN, PATTERSON

 

Robert BARD came to Farmersville from Herkimer county in November, 1816, and settled on what is now known as the FREEMAN farm.  He married a daughter of Ashbel FREEMAN and had four children.  Mr. BARD came to the village of Franklinville in 1829, having traded his farm with John PATTERSON for property where now stands the Globe Hotel, where he kept hotel 26 years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 646

 

Surnames:  BOND, CARPENTER, SEARL

 

Marshall O. BOND is a son of Ora and Laura (CARPENTER) BOND and was born June 26, 1828. January 1, 1852, he married Hannah SEARL, of Franklinville, and settled in the village, where he engaged with his father in harness making.  In July, 1862, Mr. BOND enlisted in Co. D, 154th N. Y. Vols., as first lieutenant, and resigned in 1863 on account of sickness.  A number of years were spent in the oil country and upon returning to this town he engaged in farming.  Children: Ida E., Adda M., Hanford S., and Kate G.  Ora BOND, the father of Marshall O., was supervisor of Farmersville in 1829-30 and again in 1840.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 646

 

Surnames:  BOYCE, BLOODGOOD, DAY, BUCK, LITCHFIELD, VAUGHAN

 

James F. BOYCE, born in Worcester, Mass., March 1, 1795, came to this county in 1823.  He kept bachelor's hall in the woods two years and then married Elizabeth BLOODGOOD, from Herkimer, N. Y., the ceremony being performed by Israel DAY, J. P., of Franklinville.  The couple located on Bear creek, two miles farther into the forest than any other settlers, and remained there seven years.  They then came to this town and settled on lot 32, on BOYCE hill, where he resided until his death Jan. 12, 1864.  His wife died April 5, 1885.  Children: Louisa H. (Mrs. Ezra BUCK), David F., Almira C. (Mrs. Harvey LITCHFIELD), Nancy E., Amy L., and Mary A. Z. (Mrs. Joseph VAUGHAN).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 646 & 647

 

Surnames:  BURROWS, ROCKWELL, ALGER, SQUIRE

 

David BURROWS, a Vermonter by birth, at the age of eighteen came with his father to Gainesville, N. Y., and in 1840 removed to Franklinville, settling in Cadiz, where he commenced shoemaking.  His wife was Orrilla ROCKWELL, who bore him five children, of whom three are living: Jasper A., Lucinda M. (Mrs. D. ALGER), and George W.  Mrs. BURROWS died July 9, 1855 and Mr. BURROWS on March 31, 1885.  Jasper A. BURROWS was born Oct. 28, 1843, and married Candace, daughter of Edward C. SQUIRE; two children: Dora A. and Edward C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 647

 

Surnames:  BUTLER, LYON, NAPIER, HOWARD

 

Samuel BUTLER, son of Nathan, came with his wife, Phebe LYON, from Otsego county to Franklinville in 1820.  Two years afterward he bought seventy-five acres of wild land in Farmersville, whither he moved and erected a frame house.  He was a carpenter and joiner by trade.  A few years later he returned to this town and purchased the farm and built the stone house where John NAPIER now lives.  Of his four children two are living: Eliza A. (Mrs. HOWARD) and Lewis L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 647-649

 

Surnames:  BUTTON, DUNCAN, TEN BROECK

 

Jonas K. BUTTON was born in Machias on the 3d of May, 1821.  His father, Charles, was a pioneer farmer, and the early life of Mr. BUTTON was passed on the farm with a large family of brothers and sisters, and his stalwart frame was inured to the severe toil which was the lot of the “tiller of the soil” in the primitive history of the county.  His father died in 1832 and the duties of the farm so occupied the attention of the children that the education of Mr. BUTTON was restricted to a few winter terms of school in the log school house, but that temple of learning has been the source of inspiration to the men who have risen to prominence in western New York.  After attaining the age of eighteen years he worked out at farm work by the month during the summer season and taught school during the winter months.  He early acquired habits of thrift and economy and was particular to add to his savings each year, knowing that this course was the only one that insured the attainment of a competence.  He was never afflicted with the modern mania of becoming suddenly rich, but preferred to acquire his accumulations by ceaseless energy and in business where his ripe judgment could be of service to him.  On the 27th of Sept., 1845, he was married to Jane M. DUNCAN, and together they began life in the employ of Judge Peter TEN BROECK, of Farmersville, and that rare judge of men at once appreciated the merit of the young couple, and their friendship continued unabated until the death of Judge TEN BROECK.

 

In 1847 Mr. BUTTON purchased and moved onto a farm about three miles south of the village of Franklinville, and which has ever since been known as “the BUTTON farm” and is now owned by his youngest son and namesake, who, at twenty-two, is proving himself a “chip of the old block” in representing the town as supervisor.  Mr. BUTTON was early ambitious to excel as a farmer and like his early patron, Judge TEN BROECK, to become a large landed proprietor, and so well was his ambition gratified that at his death he owned 2,100 acres of farming land in the county of Cattaraugus, being the largest owner of tillable land within its borders.  This land comprised six farms well stocked and under an excellent state of cultivation. In 1864 he took up his residence in the village of Franklinville and thereafter leased his farms.  Mr. BUTTON was the model landlord.  He was unerring in his estimate of men, understood well when his farms were properly carried on, and while fair and considerate to his tenants was strict and exacting in requiring them to care for his stock and maintain his farms in good condition.  His relations with his tenants were close and kindly, and he seldom was obliged to change them, and his leaseholds were profitable alike to him and his lessees.

 

When the cheese industry by factory-making first started Mr. BUTTON erected a factory between Franklinville and Cadiz and another west of Cadiz, and they were the nucleus of a combination that has become celebrated. For many years he attended to the financial management of this combination, selling the cheese and distributing the proceeds, and his excellent judgment and methodical habits prevented criticism as to his performance of this trust.  Mr. BUTTON early took an interest in politics and was soon recognized as one of the leaders of his party in the county.  He was an uncompromising Democrat, zealous in defending the principles of his party, and a partisan in practice.  He was supervisor of Franklinville for five terms and was elected member of Assembly in 1867, though the district was regarded as safely Republican. He was the candidate of his party for Congress in one or two campaigns.  He affiliated with his party during the Civil war, yet believed in the suppression of the Rebellion and the unity of the nation.  He contributed liberally for the payment of bounties, and, to induce enlistments, at one time paid $1000, at another pledged $100 to be divided equally among the next four who should enlist, and again personally advanced $3,000 to enable the town to fill its quota, trusting to future legislation for its re-payment.  Western New York has been largely Republican since the inception of that party, so Mr. BUTTON's political preferment was confined to the offices stated, but in the councils of his party and among those in this end of the State who were instrumental in party organization he was a prominent factor.

 

Judge TEN BROECK appointed him sole executor of his will with plenary power in the management and disposition of his large estate.  When it is remembered that his property included about 7,000 acres of land the magnitude of the undertaking can be partly appreciated.  This vast area he managed with consummate judgment, making sales from year to year until the entire land was converted into money or securities that were gilt-edged.  He was also by the act of incorporation one of the trustees of TEN BROECK Free Academy, and by virtue of his residence in Franklinville and his aggressive individuality was the master spirit of the Board of Trustees until his resignation shortly prior to his death.  The academy was erected in the village, which was then remote from a railroad and where education was at a low ebb.  Mr. BUTTON assumed the direction of this business with his wonted energy and the academy was soon the potent agency in eastern Cattaraugus for higher education.  His zeal in behalf of this institution was irrepressible and he seized every opportunity to advance its influence.  When Franklinville became a full-fledged village Mr. BUTTON, though opposed to incorporation, was elected as one of its first trustees, as the taxpayers had implicit faith in his judgment and fairness.  He well served his constituents in this capacity, believing thoroughly in public improvements and yet guarding wisely the expenditure of the moneys raised.

 

In 1879 he united with the First United Presbyterian Church Society of Franklinville, of which his wife was a member.  Thenceforth he was a faithful, earnest Christian.  He made no parade of his new life.  He contributed one-fourth of the $11,000 used in building the substantial church edifice of this society.  He died in Franklinville, Sept. 8, 1884, leaving his widow, four sons, and two daughters, all of whom are still living.

 

Mr. BUTTON was a man of sterling, positive traits of character.  He despised any cant or hypocrisy and asserted his intense convictions confidently and fearlessly.  On any matter, either local or of a wider range, he took a decided stand.  With little education in his youth, yet, by friction with men, by keen observation, by an aptitude for comprehending the pith of any subject, and by his unfailing common sense, he soon became well informed.  He made a marked impression on the people of eastern Cattaraugus, was thoroughly respected, and was recognized as one of its leading men.  In defining to a young man the cardinal principles leading to success he stated they were “integrity, industry, and perseverance,” and they certainly comprised the elements that made his own career so successful.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Jonas K. BUTTON

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 649

 

Surnames:  BUTTON, BROWN, LITTLE, CURTIS

 

Reuben C. BUTTON, son of Lyman and Polly (BROWN) BUTTON, was born in Machias, Nov. 25, 1839, and removed to this town in 1855, living for a time with his uncle, Jonas K. BUTTON.  Nov. 3, 1861, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John LITTLE, and was engaged in farming until 1865, when he opened a livery stable in the village.  In 1876 his wife died and Nov. 25, 1880 he married, second, Addie V., daughter of Sylvester and Mary CURTIS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 649

 

Surname:  BUTTON

 

Peter T. B. BUTTON has always taken an active interest in the mercantile and political affairs of the town.  He has served as supervisor and in other offices, and was largely instrumental in organizing the Franklinville Agricultural and Driving Park Association, of which he has served as treasurer, secretary, and president.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 649

 

Surnames:  CAMPBELL, MORGAN, DICKINSON

 

Robert CAMPBELL, a relative of Judge CAMPBELL, of Cherry Valley, Otsego county, N. Y., was born in that place and resided there until after his majority.  He married Elizabeth CAMPBELL, and in 1829 he came with his family to Franklinville and settled on a part of lot 29 on the road known as Otsego street, from the fact that every settler thereon was from Otsego county.  He remained on the place about thirty years and then, with his son, Andrew J. CAMPBELL, removed to Black Creek and remained there until his death.  Children: Samuel, Mary Ann, Albert J., Eleanor, Alanson, Deborah, and Andrew J.  Samuel married Eliza MORGAN, July 24, 1851, and remained on lot 29 until his death in 1889.  Children: Dewitt, Sarah, and Amenzo.  Amenzo now resides on the place with his mother.  Albert J. married Permelia daughter of John W. DICKINSON, Feb. 2, 1841, and settled on a farm in upper Sugartown, where he resided until his health failed, when he moved to Franklinville village and kept a hotel twenty-five years.  Children: Mary and Devillo.  Devillo went to Mazo Manie, Wis., where he is a druggist.  Mary, at the age of twenty-four, met with an accident in a collision on the Great Western railroad at Komoka, Ontario, which rendered her a cripple.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 649

 

Surnames:  CARPENTER, DE KAY, SCOTT

 

Warren CARPENTER, son of Zenas (see Farmersville), was born Jan. 17, 1827, and Dec. 18, 1849, married Catherine J., daughter of Thomas DE KAY, of New Hudson, Allegany county; children: Zenas, Thomas, Elroy V., Samuel, and Julia A. (Mrs. E. D. SCOTT), who died Nov. 7, 1890.  Mr. CARPENTER lived with his parents until their deaths and in Lyndon until 1880, when he came to Franklinville village.  He has taken an active interest in laying out and beautifying Mt. Prospect Cemetery.  Besides this he has been called upon to plan and adorn several other burial places.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 649

 

Surnames:  CARR, CHAMBERLAIN, POWER, HOGG, WEED, JOLLY

 

Peter CARR, a postmaster under the British government, came to Franklinville in 1849 and purchased the farm belonging to Moses CHAMBERLIN, which he made his permanent home until his death in 1873.  He was justice of the peace several years.  He left Peter CARR, Jr., his only heir, in possession of his estate, who still resides upon it.  In 1857 Peter, jr., married Katharine, daughter of Patrick POWER.  Children: Mary, Rose (Mrs. Wilson HOGG), Josephine (Mrs. Charles WEED), Katie, Anna (Mrs. J. G. JOLLY), and Joseph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 649 & 650

 

Surnames:  CASE, MELROSE, MORGAN

 

Thomas CASE, born in Berkshire, Tioga county, Jan. 14, 1818 came in Feb., 1838 with his father, Phineas CASE, from Candor, N. Y., to Lyndon, where he resided until March, 1884, when he moved to Franklinville.  On Jan. 14, 1845, he married Betsey, daughter of Nicholas MELROSE, of Lyndon.  She was born Sept. 20, 1826 in Delhi, Delaware county.  Children, all born in Lyndon: Jason Daniel, Oct. 3, 1847; Edward Nelson, Dec. 9, 1849; Charles Arbuckle, Oct. 25, 1851; and Eben Leicester, Aug. 19, 1859.  Edward N. is a successful farmer; the other three are bankers.  In Sept., 1865, Thomas CASE assisted in organizing the Cuba Banking Company, of Cuba, N. Y., and later in changing the company to the succeeding organization, now the First National Bank of Cuba.  In Oct., 1870, he assisted in starting the Bank of Olean, which in 1871 was re-organized into the First National Bank.  In Aug., 1878, he assisted in organizing the Bank of Ellicottville, of which his son, C. A. CASE, has been the cashier.  In Nov., 1883, with others, he started the Citizens' Bank of Arcade, N. Y., of which he is now a director, his son, J. D. CASE, being the president.  In Dec., 1872, Mr. CASE proposed and with others organized the Bank of Franklinville, which was subsequently merged into the First National Bank of Franklinville, and has always been an active director and for several years its efficient president.  His son, J. D. CASE, is the cashier. Mr. CASE has been a fortunate financier, honest and punctual in his business affairs, cheerful, social, and temperate.  With a free hand and open purse he aids everything beneficial to society.

 

Jason D. CASE, son of Thomas, was born in Lyndon, Oct. 3, 1847, attended school in the Hayden district and two terms at the Rushford Academy, and assisted in the farm duties at home and his father in buying eggs, butter, etc.  In the fall of 1868 he taught the Morgan district school near Cuba reservoir, and the following summer he was engaged as superintendent of the Cherry Run and Pithole Oil Company, making a satisfactory sale of their property in 1872, when he bought a third-interest in some valuable oil property near Parker's Landing, Pa.  Mr. CASE was active in the organization of the first bank in Franklinville and later of its successor, the First National; of the Bank of Ellicottville, of which he is a director; of the Citizens' Bank of Arcade, of which he was the first president; of the canning company in Franklinville being for some time a member of its executive committee; and of the Franklinville Cemetery Association, of which he has been trustee and treasurer since its foundation.  Jan. 29, 1873 Mr. CASE married Helen C., daughter of Samuel and Catharine MORGAN, of Cuba.  Children: Nellie and Gertrude A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 650

 

Surnames:  CHAMBERLIN, CARR, PLATT, CURTIS, KNOX, BABBITT

 

Moses CHAMBERLIN came from Dutchess county to Ellicottville in 1816 and thence he moved to Franklinville, settling on the farm now owned by Peter CARR, where he lived about thirty years.  He then moved to Allegany, where he died in 1869.  Mr. CHAMBERLIN married Anna PLATT, of Caledonia, N. Y.  Children: Mary (Mrs. Sylvester CURTIS), Dr. William, Dr. Harry, Ann E. (Mrs. John KNOX), Laura, Charles (died in 1880), Eliza (died in 1887), Henry (died in 1865), Lucy (Mrs. E. N. BABBITT) died in 1884, and George S. (died in 1884).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 650

 

Surnames:  CLEMENTS, LOCHARD

 

James CLEMENTS came here from Ireland in 1859.  In March, 1859, he married Margaret LOCHARD.  He purchased and moved onto the farm he still occupies.  Children living: James, Mary, Thomas, Margaret, John, William, Timothy, George, Robert, Alexander, and Samuel.  James and John are partners in a grocery in Franklinville.  John has been town clerk several terms.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 650 & 651

 

Surnames:  COLLIE, MITCHELL, WATSON

 

James COLLIE, a native of Morayshire, Scotland, and a son of James and Barbara (MITCHELL) COLLIE, was born March 10, 1821, and at the age of twenty-six married Elizabeth WATSON.  In 1853 he came with his wife to America and settled in Franklinville, moving to his present farm in 1857.  Of his eleven children eight are living: Peter, William, James, Jessie, Mary, Elizabeth, Mima, and Louisa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 651

 

Surnames:  COLVIN, WHITCOMB

 

Milton N. COLVIN was born March 28, 1870 on Chappel hill in Humphrey.  He was the son of Royal and Mary COLVIN and the second child of a family of seven children: Charles, Milton N., Carrie, Lucia, Agnes, Hattie, and Welcome.  Sickness and other dire misfortunes pursued the family until it was broken up and its members scattered.  Milton was adopted into the family of Walter WHITCOMB, of Humphrey, and came to this town with Mr. WHITCOMB in 1883, with whom he resided until 1891 when he began life in earnest.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 651

 

Surnames:  CONRAD, KORTWRIGHT, WARNER, SILL, FARWELL, MORRIS, SEARL, GARDNER

 

Henry CONRAD, from Tompkins county, during the summer of 1807 located on the north half of lot 37 and commenced the erection of a mill, which he completed in the summer of 1808.  The mill was in keeping with its surroundings, primitive indeed, but it would grind wheat into flour which did not always resemble the "beautiful snow".  That useful old mill more properly belonged to the "Tuscan Order" of architecture than to any other.  In the early part of 1807 John, Nicholas, and Daniel KORTWRIGHT, from Tompkins county, settled upon the north part of lot 36 and south part of lot 37.  They were millwrights and superintended the building of Henry CONRAD's grist-mill, and instructed "Uncle Hank" (as he was commonly called) in the art of grinding grain and taking toll.  Owing to some defect in its construction the mill was not uniform in its mechanical behavior.  There is one anecdote in relation to Uncle Hank and his mill which illustrates the fun-loving propensities, of the WARNER family.  Parley WARNER, who lived near the mill, on observing some customer emerge from the forest with a bag of grain across his brawny shoulders, would stealthily approach the rear of the mill and seize the arms of the wheel in his herculean grip, and, with muscles firmly set, await the coming ordeal.  The gate would be raised, but the wheel would not move; it was as firmly bound as the nymphs had bound Andromeda.  After uttering a few words not admissible in Sunday school Uncle Hank, armed with the necessary tools, would go around to the rear of the mill to see "vat vas der ail mit der tam veel."  By the time he reached the wheel Parley would be snugly concealed in the alders.  Mr. CONRAD was a kind-hearted man.  He had four children by his first wife: Elizabeth, Margaret, Catharine, and Samuel.  Margaret married Elijah SILL; Elizabeth married Thaddeus FARWELL; Catharine and Samuel were mutes and were never married.  One of the granddaughters of Mr. CONRAD, Fanny FARWELL, is the wife of D. J. MORRIS.  By his second marriage Mr. CONRAD had six children: Peter, Henry, Joseph, John, Henrietta, and Fanny.  About 1820 he sent Samuel and Catharine to New York, where they received an education.  When they came back they could read and write fluently and converse by means of the hand alphabet.  Samuel died of smallpox at his brother-in-law's, Elijah SILL, about 1830.  Lyman SEARL, Thomas M. SILL, Fayette SEARL, and Robert E. GARDNER also married granddaughters of Henry CONRAD.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 651 & 652

 

Surnames:  CROSBY, AUSTIN, STARR, KENYON, WENRICK, WRIGHT, BAILLET, WARNER, McCLUER, WHEELER

 

Samuel A., Alanson, Jedediah W., and Lot C. CROSBY came to Franklinville in 1830 and settled on CROSBY hill, the place taking its name from the four brothers.  Alanson and Jedediah purchased portions of lot 28, while S. A. (known here as Austin CROSBY) made his home on lot 36 and Lot C, on lot 35.  They were sons of Col. Jedediah CROSBY, who was born near Boston, Mass., in 1776.  At an early period he removed to Gorham, N. Y., where he married Mabel AUSTIN, a native of Connecticut.  She was born May 1, 1782.  In 1805 the couple moved to Bergen, N. Y., then known as the Triangle, where they made a permanent home.  Colonel CROSBY was a volunteer in the War of 1812 and commanded a regiment at the battle of Fort Erie, where one-third of his soldiers were left on the field.  Both Colonel CROSBY and his wife were of English descent.  He died in Bergen, August 18, 1830; she died May 21, 1866.  They had five sons and four daughters, the latter being Polly, Louanny, Harriet, and Lovina. S.  Austin CROSBY married and had sons Christopher C., Jedediah W., and Luther V.  Christopher C. married Helen STARR.  Jedediah married Viola KENYON and resided on the homestead until his death.  Luther married Mary WENRICK.  Newton A. and Ora B. are deceased.  Alanson CROSBY married Cornelia WRIGHT; children: Mabel, Manley, and Alanson, Jr.  Mabel married George BAILLET.  Manley (see Bench and Bar, page 363) is a practicing attorney in Corry, Pa.  Alanson enlisted in 1862 in the 154th N. Y. Vol. Inf. and was killed before Atlanta, Ga.  He was a young man of rare promise.  As a well-deserved tribute to his memory the Grand Army Post in Franklinville received his name.  Jedediah CROSBY, Jr., married a daughter of Roswell WARNER, a granddaughter of Gen. Joseph McCLUER.  He still resides on CROSBY hill, occupying the place on which he settled when he first came to this town.  One of his daughters married Dudley KENYON and a second married Thomas WHEELER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 652

 

Surnames:  CUMMINGS, GRAVES

 

Solomon CUMMINGS came to Farmersville in 1829 and a few years later married Jonathan GRAVES's eldest daughter, Mariette.  He became a merchant, was successful, represented Farmersville as supervisor in 1843, 1844, 1846, and 1848 and Franklinville in 1875, was a very exact business man, and always performed his duties with ability and fidelity.  For many years he has resided in Franklinville.  He sold his property in 1850 to his father and brother, John T. CUMMINGS, who continued the mercantile business until his sudden death in 1876.  J. T. CUMMINGS left all excellent record behind him for ability and integrity.  He was supervisor of Farmersville in 1863.  By consulting him and his library almost any matter of history, law, politics, religion, or science could be learned.  From tinkering clocks to making or repairing any article of the house or tool on the farm he was an expert, and he had a great variety of tools that he persistently refused to lend.  He was a Congregationalist, a cultivated scholar, and a valuable friend.  The CUMMINGS’s emigrated to this town from Warren, Mass., and are direct descendants of the Puritans.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 652

 

Surnames:  CURTIS, ROSE, FOOT, FOSTER, CHAMBERLIN, BUTTON

 

Solomon CURTIS, from Lanesboro, Mass., located on a large tract of land where the village of Franklinville now stands in 1806 and removed thither with the first settlers, erecting his log house a few rods west of the center stake in the village plat in 1808.  It is said that hunting and trapping were his primary and agriculture his secondary pursuits.  Mr. CURTIS married Abigail ROSE, of Rushford, Allegany county; children: Azur, Rensselaer, Polly, and Sylvester.  He died in 1840 and his wife in 1837.  Rensselaer CURTIS was born in Franklinville, Feb. 8, 1818, and Feb. 8, 1848, married Ruth M., daughter of Ezekiel and Polly (FOOT) FOSTER.  Locating in Machias in 1850 he returned to Franklinville nine years later, and in 1863 settled on the farm he now occupies.  His son Henry R. is an attorney in the village.  Sylvester CURTIS, born April 1, 1819 married, in 1844, Mary, daughter of Moses and Anna CHAMBERLIN, and for eighteen years lived on the farm where his father died; he then sold out and moved to his present farm.  His daughter is the wife of Reuben BUTTON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 652 & 653

 

Surnames:  DAVIS, KLOCK

 

Thomas DAVIS, son of John and a native of Wales, England, came to America with his father when ten years old and settled in Litchfield, Herkimer county.  In 1857 Mr. DAVIS married Sarah M., daughter of Jacob KLOCK, and in 1865 located in Lyndon, of which town he was supervisor in 1873 and 1874.  In 1882 he came to this town and settled as a farmer at Cadiz, being elected supervisor of Franklinville in 1891 and 1892.  Mr. DAVIS in public and private is an exemplary citizen, serving his constituents with honor and credit, and in all matters of importance to the town and county he takes a deep interest.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 653

 

Surnames:  DEAN, YOUNG, LITTLE, SPRING, CONNERS

 

Danforth W. DEAN, son of Tower J. and Esther E. (YOUNG) DEAN, was born in Centerville, Allegany county, Feb. 8, 1853.  In 1877 he removed to Franklinville, where he has since followed the carpenter's trade, engaging in 1878 with Richard LITTLE in the contracting and building business; he is also at the head of the DEAN & SPRING Manufacturing Company.  He was supervisor of Franklinville in 1890 and served in that position with honor and credit.  Feb. 8, 1882, Mr. DEAN married Jennie, daughter of John CONNERS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 653

 

Surnames:  DREWRY, SIMONDS

 

Willard DREWRY removed from Genesee county to this town in 1831 and settled with his wife on a wild lot on Genesee street.  In 1865 he sold to Mr. SIMONDS and went west.  His son Ebenezer enlisted in 1861 for three years, and served his full time; he was mustered into the service in the 105th Regt. in Oct., 1861, and was honorably discharged.  He died in 1878.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 653

 

Surname:  DUNCAN

 

James DUNCAN and his wife Annie came from Scotland in 1833 and the next year settled in Franklinville, first at what is now the village and subsequently on East hill.  He finally removed to the village and died.  They had nine children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 653

 

Surnames:  ELMER, CROSBY, DICKINSON

 

William ELMER was born in Hartford, Conn., May 14, 1807, and came with his father to Genesee county in 1815.  He married Harriet CROSBY, March 27, 1835, and they had four daughters and two sons.  He moved to Franklinville, March 16, 1855, and his wife died June 4, 1860.  He married his second wife, Mrs. Lydia DICKINSON, Nov. 27, 1862.  Austin W. ELMER, the eldest son, was mustered into the navy in Sept., 1864, for one year, and died of disease contracted in the service.  Crosby L. ELMER resides on the homestead, with his father, on CROSBY hill.  The family influence has been exemplary.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 653

 

Surnames:  ELY, WALKER, DAY, SMITH, FERRIS, STILLWELL

 

William ELY, son of C. C. ELY, of Rushford, Allegany county, was born July 27, 1841, and obtained his education in the common schools and in Rushford Academy.  In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was in all the engagements with his regiment from Antietam to Cold Harbor, where he was wounded by a minie-ball in the ankle.  Being discharged in 1865 he returned home and in 1866 came to Franklinville, where he started a drug store in the village under the firm name of WALKER & ELY, which two years later was changed to ELY & DAY by WALKER disposing of his interest to W. A. DAY.  DAY subsequently sold out to H. D. SMITH and the firm became ELY & SMITH.  In 1884 SMITH sold to W. H. FERRIS and the style was changed to ELY & FERRIS.  In 1867 Mr. ELY married Caroline S., daughter of Marcus and Susan (STILLWELL) SMITH.  Mr. ELY was supervisor of Franklinville in 1886 and 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 653

 

Surnames:  ESSEX, MORSE, RATHBUN

 

Moses ESSEX came from Decatur, N. Y., in 1827, and settled on the west part of lot 13, which he had previously purchased from James O. MORSE and Benjamin RATHBUN.  He soon erected an ashery, which he operated over twenty years.  He purchased all the ashes and black-salts that he could from those who were clearing up their farms and worked them into potash, which he shipped to New York city.  In those early times about the only way the settlers had to raise money to pay taxes and buy bread was by making ashes and black-salts, which were jocosely called "legal tender."  ESSEX remained on the place about 23 years.  His daughter resides on a part of the farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 653 & 654

 

Surnames:  FARRAR, LOOMIS, CARVER

 

Aleanzor M. FARRAR is a son of Wiggin M. and Betsey (LOOMIS) FARRAR, of Machias (q. v.).  He was born in that town Sept. 15, 1829, and Jan. 1, 1854, married Lydia CARVER.  Until 1884 Mr. FARRAR was a resident of Machias, on the old homestead where he served as justice of the peace twelve years and as assessor.  In 1884 he came to Franklinville.  He has in his possession a sword used by John FARRAR, his grandfather, on the field of Bunker Hill.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 654

 

Surnames:  FARRINGTON, McAFEE

 

Edward H. FARRINGTON, son of Harvey, was born in Newport, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1848.  His father was an early cheese maker, in which business the son was educated.  In 1873 Edward H. came to Franklinville and began manufacturing cheese, being interested in 1890 in nine factories producing several hundred thousand pounds of cheese annually.  In 1872 Mr. FARRINGTON married Sarah, daughter of Nathaniel McAFEE, of Canada.  Children: Irvin A., Howard P., Harry, and Ellen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 654

 

Surnames:  FARWELL, COOK

 

Henry C. FARWELL, son of Thaddeus (see Ischua), was born Feb. 19, 1832.  In 1854 he engaged in lumbering in the great lumber woods of Wisconsin, and June 1, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 4th Wis. Vols., fighting in the battles of Williamsburg, Second Bull Run, Seven Days' Fight, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg (both engagements), Gettysburg, and Rappahannock Station, where he was wounded by a ball passing through the leg.  He was promoted captain of his company and was discharged Oct. 14, 1864.  Returning to Ischua he married, March 28, 1866, Anna, daughter of Henry and Betsey COOK, of Mansfield.  He was a farmer in Ischua, which town he served as supervisor in 1873 and again in 1875 and as assessor several years.  Mr. FARWELL moved to the village of Franklinville in 1885.  Children: Lettie C. and Arthur M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 654

 

Surnames:  FAY, RICE, COLE, PIERCE, GREENE, LITCHFIELD

 

James FAY, son of Cyrus, was born in Sturbridge, Mass., married Olive RICE, of Brookfield, Mass., and came to Cattaraugus county in 1829, in 1830 settling on the farm now owned by Cyrus M. FAY, his son.  He was a man highly respected, held several town offices, and was a member and deacon of the Presbyterian church.  He died in 1882, aged ninety-two years.  Of his five children four are living: William G., Sarah J. (Mrs. I. L. COLE), J. C., and Cyrus M.  Cyrus M. FAY, living on the homestead, was born Nov. 13, 1833.  In 1858 he married Ellen I., daughter of William M. PIERCE, of this town.  Children: Sarah O. (Mrs. B. J. GREENE) and Elsie M. (Mrs. E. E. LITCHFIELD).  He was supervisor from 1877 to 1879 and assessor nine years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 654

 

Surnames:  GOO, BRAND

 

J. B. GOO, son of Hiram, was born in Ashford, Sept. 29, 1829, and in Jan., 1855, married Lucy J., daughter of Samuel BRAND, of Ellicottville.  By trade he was a carpenter.  About 1860 he moved to Yorkshire Center, where he, carried on cheese-box manufacturing.  In 1882 he came to Cadiz.  He has two sons and three daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 654

 

Surnames:  GREEN, JENNINGS, HOLDEN, RUST

 

Allen M. GREEN, born in Cazenovia, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1812, came with his father, Allen GREEN, to Cattaraugus county in 1826.  In 1838 he married Mary JENNINGS, of Fort Madison, Iowa, where he lived and followed his trade of blacksmith.  Upon the death of his wife in 1840 Mr. GREEN returned to Cattaraugus county, and in 1845 he married Julia J., daughter of Arnold HOLDEN, of Ashford.  He settled in Franklinville in 1869.  Of his six children three are living: Emma (Mrs. Eugene RUST), Burnett J., and Perry W.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 654 & 655

 

Surnames:  GRIERSON, McQUENN, St. JOHN, FULLER, SKEELS

 

James GRIERSON, son of Thomas and Agnes (McQUENN), was born in Dumfries, Scotland, May 27, 1832, and came to Franklinville in 1854, where he resided for one year, when he went to Otto, where he worked at his trade, as miller for Selleck St. JOHN.  There he married Melissa, daughter of Sylvester and Harriet (FULLER) SKEELS.  He also lived in East Otto and in Ellicottville.  In 1870 he returned to Franklinville and purchased the grist-mill below Cadiz known as the Conrad mill, which he conducted until 1876, when he moved to the village of Franklinville, where he now resides.  Children: Luna C., Mina C, Harriet A. (deceased), Nettie O., Grace M., and Edgar J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 655

 

Surnames:  HACKETT, WOODS, SEARLE, SILL

 

George S. HACKETT, son of Stephen K. (see Ischua), was born Feb. 20, 1844, in the town of Ischua, and at the age of seven years, his mother dying, he was bound out to D. H. WOODS of Rushford, Allegany county, where he lived until Dec. 22, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. B, 2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles.  He was actively engaged in the battles of Shady Grove, North Anna River, Tolopotomoy Creek, Cold Harbor, Gaines's Farm, siege of Petersburg, and Pegram Farm, and was discharged at White Hall Run on June 18, 1865.  Returning to Rushford Mr. HACKETT married, July 4, 1866, Fannie M., daughter of John W. and Caroline (SEARLE) SILL, and in 1867 settled on Buzzard hill in Humphrey.  He followed cheese making for a number of years, residing in various places, and in 1881 located in Franklinville village, where on Jan. 10, 1891 his wife died.  She was born April 1, 1846, and bore him two children, Willie B. (deceased) and Lewis A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 655

 

Surname:  HAYDEN

 

Squire C. HAYDEN has been prominent in the industrial and political interests of the town and county, and in various capacities has represented his constituents with eminent ability and unswerving integrity.  He is trustee of the village and was supervisor of Farmersville in 1879 and Franklinville in 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 655

 

Surnames:  HAYNES, STEWART, BUSECKER, SMITH, MORRIS, GRIERSON, WILLARD

 

James A. HAYNES, a native of Yorkshire and a son of Daniel B. and Amanda (STEWART) HAYNES, was born March 7, 1839, and Feb. 24, 1861, married Isadore BUSECKER, of Ischua, who died Jan. 20, 1868.  May 19, 1869, Mr. HAYNES married for his second wife Mary A., daughter of S. J. SMITH, of Ischua.  The same year he formed a partnership with Mr. SMITH in the mercantile trade under the firm name of S. J. SMITH & Co., which business was continued until 1873, when Mr. HAYNES sold his interest to A. J. MORRIS.  He then purchased a farm, which he sold in 1885, and in 1886 moved to Franklinville village, where he handled sewing machines until 1890, when he started with Thomas GRIERSON a flour and feed store.  Soon afterward Mr. GRIERSON sold to F. P. WILLARD.  Mr. HAYNES was supervisor of Ischua in 1872.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 655

 

Surnames:  HOLDEN, RUSH

 

John R. HOLDEN was born July 30, 1843, in Ashford, and is a son of Arnold and Patience HOLDEN.  In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Cav., and was discharged from the Patent Office Hospital in April, 1862 for sickness.  He re-enlisted in October, 1864, in Co. A, 9th N. Y. Cav., and was mustered out in June, 1865.  Jan. 18, 1863, he married Melvina, daughter of Poltus and Elizabeth RUSH, of East Otto, and in 1867 settled in Farmersville, whence he removed in 1885 to the village of Franklinville, where he has been engaged largely in the cheese trade, a business he has successfully followed for more than a quarter of a century.  Mr. HOLDEN has been prominent in town affairs and is vice-president of the First National Bank of Franklinville.  His father, Arnold HOLDEN, was supervisor of Ashford in 1831.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 655

 

Surnames:  HOLLISTER, NORTON

 

Samuel L. HOLLISTER was born in Cairo, Greene county, Oct. 29, 1788.  In 1806 he came to this town and in 1812 married Sibyl NORTON, who was born in Litchfield county, Conn., May 24,1791, and moved to Franklinville in 1811.  In 1816 he removed to Great Valley and in March, 1821, went to Mansfield, where he died June 29, 1849.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 655

 

Surnames:  HOLMES, BUTLER

 

Hosea T. HOLMES, son of Peter HOLMES, an early settler in Farmersville, was born in that town Dec. 28, 1821.  In Jan., 1843, he married Eliza A., daughter of Harvey BUTLER, and until 1871 was a farmer.  He then came to Franklinville and died June 13, 1889.  Children: A. O., Clark L., and L. M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  HOLMES, SPRAGUE, STONE

 

Joseph HOLMES, a native of Leeds, England, came to America and to Franklinville in 1830, settling in Cadiz, where he followed his trade of gunsmith and kept also a dry goods and grocery store.  He was born March 6, 1817, and died June 9, 1882.  He married Amantha, daughter of Eli A. and Finetta SPRAGUE, of Ischua, and had born to him seven children, five of whom are living: John T., Alfie F., Jennie G., Mary E. (Mrs. R. STONE), Reuben B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  HOTCHKISS, SEARL, OSGOOD, PLATT

 

Benjamin HOTCHKISS, about 1817, came from Whitehall, N. Y., and after a brief residence in the Ischua valley located on lot 38.  His son Hiram settled on the same lot a little farther west.  One of his daughters was the wife of Isaac SEARL and another became Mrs. Aaron OSGOOD.  Hiram HOTCHKISS was a soldier in the War of 1812.  Simeon HOTCHKISS located on lot 38.  He married Lucretia, daughter of Stephen PLATT, from Plattsburgh, N. Y.  Children: Benjamin, Sarah, Alexander, Mary, Stephen, Orange, and Charles.  Stephen and Orange enlisted in the 154th Regiment in Aug., 1862, and both died in the service.  Alexander served in the artillery.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  INGALLS, STORRS

 

Simeon INGALLS came from Otsego, N. Y., in 1828, with his wife and family, and settled on lot 29.  He married Martha, daughter of T. D. STORRS.  He finally sold his place and moved to Tennessee, where he was at the breaking out of the Rebellion.  With several others from the north he was forced to leave the State, barely escaping with their lives.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  JOHNSTON, SILL, PENMAN

 

John JOHNSTON was a Scotchman by birth.  He came to this county in 1833 and bought a farm of Elijah SILL; in June, 1834, his family joined him, and in September following he died.  He had four sons and three daughters; two sons, James and John, reside on the homestead.  John JOHNSTON, Jr., born in May, 1818 married Agnes PENMAN, by whom he had seven children.  He was a popular citizen and a respected gentleman; he represented the town of Franklinville on the Board of Supervisors in 1859.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  KINGSBURY, BASSETT, SMITH

 

William W. KINGSBURY, son of Benjamin, was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego county.  In 1830 or 1831 his father came to Rushford, Allegany county, where he now resides.  He is a carpenter and farmer.  He married Betsey BASSETT and has three children.  Frank D. KINGSBURY, his son, was born Sept. 25, 1849, and in 1880 married Arlouine L. SMITH, of Rushford.  In 1882 he came to this town and purchased the Dell Zell farm; children: Harry and Willie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  KINGSLEY, GILBERT, McNALL

 

Warren KINGSLEY, son of Nathan, came from Otsego county to Franklinville in 1825, he being at that time seventeen years of age.  For five years he worked on the farm and for eight years was a clerk in the employ of Tilly GILBERT in Cadiz.  February 22, 1838, he married Augusta, daughter of John McNALL, who died Dec. 26, 1889.  Mr. KINGSLEY was thoroughly identified with the best interests of the town, holding for twelve years the office of assessor and for a number of terms the position of town clerk.  With the exception of some fifteen years, which were spent in Machias, Mr. KINGSLEY made the town of Franklinville his home from the date of his settlement until his death, which occurred at the residence of his son, Avery W. KINGSLEY, Feb. 25, 1891.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 656

 

Surnames:  LAIDLAW, DUNCAN

 

Gilbert LAIDLAW and his wife Margaret and their three sons and two daughters emigrated to America from Scotland in 1851.  They first settled in Rochester and in 1852 removed to this town, locating on a farm in what has since been known as the LAIDLAW district.  His wife died soon after their arrival and his death occurred in 1863.  One son, Hon. William G., is a prominent lawyer in Ellicottville; the other children were Robert, James, Agnes, and Betsey (Mrs. A. DUNCAN).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 656 & 657

 

Surnames:  LATHAM, CHILTON, WALWORTH, WINSLOW, CROSBY, NELSON, PARKHURST

 

The LATHAM family trace their ancestry back to Mary CHILTON, the first female to land on Plymouth Rock from the Mayflower.  The American Messenger for 1850 says: "Chancellor WALWORTH, an eminent jurist of this State, traces his ancestry to Mary CHILTON.  John WINSLOW, brother of Edward WINSLOW, one of the first governors of the Plymouth colony, married her, and their daughter became the wife of Robert LATHAM, from England, who came to this country some twenty years after the arrival of the Mayflower.  From Robert LATHAM and his wife all the LATHAM’s in this country, so far as known, have descended."  A branch of the family early moved to Vermont and at about the same time David LATHAM settled at Lyme, Conn.  His grandson, Joseph LATHAM, born Dec. 12, 1787, came thence to Le Roy, Genesee county, in 1808, commencing the journey on his birthday, crossing the Hudson river on the ice opposite the city of Albany and the Genesee river where the city of Rochester now stands.  He volunteered in the War of 1812 with the rank of sergeant-major and participated in the storming of Fort Erie with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets.  May 2, 1818, he married Polly, daughter of Col. Jedediah CROSBY, came to Franklinville in the spring of 1834, settled on CROSBY hill on the farm now owned by his son, Joseph LATHAM, and died June 7, 1865; his wife died Dec. 9, 1870.  Children: Joseph, William, Russel, and Helen.  Russel LATHAM enlisted in the Rebellion, served on board the U. S. gunboat Towa, and after that vessel was destroyed in action with the rebel forts on Cumberland river he died at Clarksville, Tenn., Dec. 23, 1864.

 

Joseph LATHAM, Jr., born Dec. 12, 1819 has been a minister in the Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church for over forty years.  He married, Sept. 4, 1851, Lydia R., daughter of Hon. Lyman NELSON, county judge of Potter county, Pa.; children: Franklin (died Nov. 4, 1874), Orry N., William H., Russel M. (died August 28, 1867), Lyman R., Joseph C., Minnie M., and Josephine Eugenie (died Jan. 22,1878).  Orry N. is a physician at Bolivar, N. Y.; William H. is a lawyer in Nebraska and county judge of Frontier county; Minnie M. married Rev. F. S. PARKHURST, of the Genesee Conference, Aug. 25,1880.  The LATHAM family has represented California as collector of the port of San Francisco, as governor, and as U. S. senator.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 657 & 658

 

Surnames:  LOW, BUCHANAN, PUDDY

 

Teneyck LOW was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., Aug. 13, 1789.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and served in the militia under Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer; he was one of the brave little band who volunteered to cross the Niagara and attack the British at Queenstown Heights, where he received a slight wound in the shoulder.  Some years after the war he married Abigail BUCHANAN and came to Franklinville in 1825, settling on lot 21, where he resided until his death May 15, 1870.  Children: Charlotte, Margaret, Anna, Amanda, Marvin, Judson, Mary, and Clarinda. Marvin married, Feb. 8, 1851, Lucy PUDDY, and resided on the homestead until his death Aug. 25, 1886.  Children: Alvin A., Lluwellyn, and Judson M.  Alvin now lives on the place with his widowed mother.  Judson was born Jan. 22, 1839, and remained on the farm with his father until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Cav., as orderly-sergeant.  He went to the front and for gallantry in the service was soon promoted to second lieutenant.  His indomitable courage and readiness to undertake dangerous duties often led him into hand-to-hand encounters with the enemy.  On one occasion he and his company were sent forward to ascertain the position of the rebels.  Their course led them into a piece of woods where they found a considerable force of cavalry drawn up ready to receive them.  The rebels were so vastly superior in numbers that instant retreat was their only course, during which he became slightly detached from his company and was at once surrounded by five Confederates, the foremost of whom exclaimed “Now, you d…d Yank, surrender!”   After shooting one rebel through the head and unhorsing two with his saber a fourth rode up behind and struck him across the neck with a carbine, which knocked Judson from his horse, and while he laid on the ground a horse struck him in the side, from the effects of which he died Nov 9, 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 658

 

Surnames:  LOWDEN, WALLACE, DICKSON, WOOLLEY, TEN BROECK

 

Robert LOWDEN was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and fitted himself for the ministry at a college in Edinburgh.  His father, a sea captain having a daughter and five sons, emigrated to America and settled in Pictou, Nova Scotia, where the family became largely interested in mercantile business and ship building, in which Robert continued, and thus relinquished the idea of entering the ministry.  He married a widow, Mrs. WALLACE, nee Abigail DICKSON, and had eight children.  Charles Thomas, the third, was born in Merigomish, Nova Scotia, Aug. 22, 1815, and by his half-brother, Alexander WALLACE, was instructed in blacksmithing, a trade he followed for many years.  At the age of twenty-one he came to the States and on Oct. 22, 1837, arrived at Yorkshire Center, where he set up as a blacksmith and continued for thirty-five years.  In Nov., 1838, he married Pamey B. WOOLLEY, who died Nov. 4, 1877; in the fall of 1878 he married Mrs. Martha J., widow of John TEN BROECK, of Franklinville, to which village he at once removed.  Mr. LOWDEN, after his settlement in Yorkshire, took an active interest in politics, and after becoming a legalized citizen he was chosen delegate to several Republican conventions, including the one at Ellicottville for organizing that party in Cattaraugus county.  He was several times town clerk, justice of the peace, and justice of sessions; was supervisor of Yorkshire in 1861; was for five years loan commissioner; was postmaster at Yorkshire Center for twelve years; and from 1872 until Dec. 31, 1878, held the office of county superintendent of the poor.  In all these positions he served with marked ability.  He had six children; his two sons became blacksmiths.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 658

 

Surnames:  LYON, PERKINS

 

Jonathan H. LYON came to this town in 1816 from Troy, N. Y.  He married Harriet PERKINS, from Otsego county, in 1819.  He was a man of some influence among the early settlers.  About 1830 he was doing business in the dry goods line, tanning, shoemaking, etc.  Children: Russell, Reuben, Delos, Amanda, and Clara.  Clara is now living on the homestead lot in the village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 658

 

Surnames:  MASON, DUDLEY

 

Charles T. MASON was born in East Otto, April 30, 1840.  His father was David T. MASON, a pioneer of that town.  In 1858 Charles married Jennie E. daughter of John and Sally DUDLEY, and in 1864 he purchased the MASON homestead in East Otto.  He followed carpentering and farming, and in 1881 removed to the village of Franklinville.  Children: Charles H. of East Otto; Rosa M., who died March 4, 1889; and Lois A.  Lewis J. MASON was supervisor of this town in 1856.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 658 to 660

 

Surnames:  McLURE, McCLUER, McCLURE, GRICE, CARPENTER, NICHOLS, WIGHTMAN, LONG, WARNER, CROSBY, JEWELL, MATHEWSON, LEONARD, MORRIS

 

NOTE:  The original orthography of this name in Franklinville was McLURE, though the pronunciation was identical with McCLUER or McCLURE.  Gen. Joseph McCLUER used, it is said, the ancient form, but his descendants have many of them adopted the present spelling, McCLUER.

 

Gen. Joseph McCLUER (or McLURE), the first settler in the town of Franklinville, was born in Belchertown, Worcester county, Mass., May 14, 1775, and at about the age of twenty married Betsey GRICE.  He came to this town and located on the site of the village in March, 1806, with his wife and five children.  He was an agent and surveyor of the Holland Land Company.  He served as captain on the Niagara frontier in the War of 1812 and was the soldier who rescued the bugler Burns after he had deserted from the British and swam the Niagara river to reach the American lines.  Mr. McCLUER represented the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Niagara in the Assembly of 1814 – 15; the three counties forming one district.  He was county clerk in 1821 and was a general in the State militia. After an active and eventful life he died of heart disease Sept. 11, 1833.  His wife survived him eleven years, and was buried by his side in the family burying ground a few rods south of their former habitation.  The remains of both were subsequently removed to the present cemetery.  The family of Joseph and Betsey McCLUER consisted of five sons and three daughters: Samuel, Manly, Joseph, David, Freeman, Emily, Harriet, and Caroline.   Samuel married Lucy CARPENTER and settled on the hill road on lot 30.  He kept a hotel until his death.  He was born Dec. 4, 1795, and died in July, 1829.  He built the first frame barn between Franklinville and Ellicottville.  He had nine children.  Frederick, his son was born Aug. 5, 1825, married Permelia NICHOLS, and occupies the old homestead.  Of their six children four are living: Dell, James H., Frank D., and John H.  Manly married Emily WIGHTMAN and settled on the west part of lot 30.  He filled several town offices, one of which was justice of the peace for several years.  He was born June 26, 1800, and died May 1, 1853.  Joseph occupied the west part of lot 23 prior to 1827, and resided on it until he removed to Canada in 1830.  He was born June 1, 1802.  He gave a bushel of wheat for four pounds of nails, which were used in building his barn.  He married Patty LONG.  Emily married Roswell WARNER, a farmer and a man of influence.  One of their daughters married Jedediah CROSBY and settled on CROSBY hill.  Harriet married Pardon T. JEWELL in 1825.  Mr. JEWELL was one of the early teachers and took a lively interest in our common schools. He was superintendent of schools for several years.  He was elected Justice of the peace in 1834 and again in 1840.  Caroline married John G. MATHEWSON in 1826 and settled upon the north part of lot 4.  After a few years Mr. MATHEWSON removed to Michigan with his family, where his wife died several years ago.  Freeman McCLUER first located on the south part of the old homestead and afterward on the south part of lot 38. He was in the U. S. service from Nov., 1861, to about 1863, when he was discharged on account of ill health.  Returning to Franklinville he was granted a pension, and soon disposed of his interests here and removed to Iowa.  David always resided within a few rods of the old log cabin in which he was reared.  He lived in the town about seventy-five years.  He received a fair education, studied law, and became an attorney of some note.  In 1817, at the age of ten, he drove a team once a week to Ellicottville to supply Baker LEONARD with provisions while he was building the first hotel erected in that place. He represented the town on the Board of Supervisors and filled other offices of trust. In Feb., 1825, he married the daughter of Thomas MORRIS.  Of their children Leonard D. McCLUER enlisted in 1861 in the 21st N. Y. Regt., and served until 1865.  John, the youngest son, enlisted in Co. I, 6th N. Y. Cav., and fell in battle in 1864.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 659 & 660

 

Surnames:  McCLUER, BARBER, MALLORY, OLDER, BRIGGS, CAMPBELL, HOYT

 

Benjamin McCLUER, a brother of Gen. Joseph McCLUER, was born in Belchertown, Mass., in 1775.  He married Elizabeth BARBER in 1814, came to this town about 1821, and purchased a farm on lot 7, where he died in 1832.  The farm was occupied by members of the family for many years afterward.  Children: Elizabeth (Mrs. James MALLORY and later Mrs. William M. OLDER), Dr. Benjamin, and Mary J. (Mrs. Allen BRIGGS and afterward Mrs. Alanson CAMPBELL).  Porter McCLUER and Abner HOYT owned parts of lot 7.

 

David McCLUER, a cousin of Joseph McCLUER, arrived in this town from Vermont in April, 1806 and selected the north part of lot 5, a few rods below the village of Cadiz, where Hiram Warner McCLUER was born April 30, 1806, being the first child of Saxon origin born within the limits of Cattaraugus county.  Mr. McCLUER removed from Franklinville to Allegany with his family about 1836 and resided there until his death.  He was supervisor of Ischua in 1822.  Hiram W. McCLUER still resides in Allegany.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 660

 

Surnames:  McKERNAN, PHILLIPS, WILLIAMS

 

Thomas McKERNAN, son of Thomas, was born in County Caven, Ireland, in 1823, and came with his son Hugh to Scottsville, N. Y., in 1848, where he was engaged in manufacturing barrel hoops.  His wife, Ann PHILLIPS, whom he had married in Ireland, came to join her husband in 1849, bringing with her their children, James and Mary.  After residing in Scottsville, Holley, and Eagle for brief periods the family moved to Ellicottville in 1866 and settled on a farm, where he died Oct. 18, 1879.  His wife died Nov. 5, 1880.  Children: a daughter who died in infancy, Hugh, Joseph, Frank, Thomas, John, Michael, and James.  James McKERNAN was born Nov. 12, 1846, and Oct. 6, 1867 married Susan M., daughter of S. R. and Prudence WILLIAMS. Children: William, Joseph, John, Thomas, Catherine, Simeon, Helen, James, and Josephine.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 660

 

Surnames:  McNALL, WASHBURN, SEWARD

 

William McNALL, oldest son of John and Mellison (WASHBURN) McNALL, was born Feb. 23, 1806, at Stafford Springs, Conn., and died Dec. 20, 1870, in this town, whither he had removed with his parents in 1816.  The family settled in Cadiz.  Dec. 17, 1829, he married Sibyl, daughter of Stephen SEWARD.  Children: Charles (deceased), William, Jr. (deceased), Nathan (died March 5, 1857), Thomas E. (killed at Morton's Ford, Va., in 1864), Stephen E., and four daughters.  Stephen McNALL was supervisor of this town in 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 660 & 661

 

Surnames:  McVEAN, GILLESPIE, VAN AERNAM, SPRING, BUTTON

 

Rev. D. C. McVEAN was born Oct. 10, 1818, in Caledonia, N. Y.  His parents settled on the farm where he was raised in 1816.  His twin brother, John C. McVEAN, still resides on the homestead.  After receiving the usual drill of a village school, D. C. studied at Cambridge, N. Y., and Cleveland, Ohio.  In after years he said that while a boy working on a farm a premonition sometimes came over him that he should preach the gospel.  His mother was left a widow and his labor was needed at home.  At the age of seventeen, on profession of faith in his Master, he united with the United Presbyterian church of Caledonia.  He graduated at Union College in 1844 and was licensed to preach in June, 1847.  After laboring as a licentiate in the New England States and in the south he accepted a call from the Lyndon church in this county and was ordained and installed pastor Jan. 29, 1850.  During the sixteen years he labored there the church grew and prospered.  The membership was scattered, yet he was indefatigable in his work.  After the resignation of his charge at Lyndon his labors were mostly confined to Franklinville, where he resided, and where by his efforts a nucleus was formed around which gathered those who afterward formed the membership of the First United Presbyterian church of Franklinville, which was organized by Mr. McVEAN on June 25, 1867 with forty members, and now there 214 communicants.  An epidemic soon afterward broke out in the community and during his visits he became the victim of the disease, and while he was preaching on the last Sabbath before his death he was stricken with this malady and died the following Saturday.  Mr. McVEAN married M. J., daughter of Abram GILLESPIE, of Orange county, N. Y.  Their only son, Creighton, died at the age of seventeen.  In 1848 Mr. McVEAN, Dr. Henry VAN AERNAM, and Hon. S. S. SPRING located in Franklinville.  To the united efforts of these three men, aided by Hon. J. K. BUTTON, the citizens of Franklinville and adjacent towns and indebted for the endowment of Ten Broeck Free Academy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 661

 

Surnames:  MEAD, CLARK, McKEAN, HOE, ROMEYN, ELY, DAY, GIDDINGS, McGUIRE, TREADWELL, PACKARD, JOHNSTON

 

The MEAD family – Tradition has it that three brothers came from England before the Revolutionary war and settled in Greenwich, Conn.; most of their descendants settled elsewhere in New England.  Merlin MEAD, son of Clark, was born in South Salem (now Lewisboro), Westchester county, Aug. 18, 1794, and at seventeen began teaching district school in the winter, working on his father's farm summers.  After his marriage, Nov. 14, 1820, to Polly, eldest daughter of Eli CLARK, of Waterbury, Conn., he removed to New York city and in connection with Mrs. MEAD continued teaching about ten years with the subsequently famous Mr. McKEAN.  They opened an evening school, teaching two hours each evening, charging simply for light and fuel.  Richard and Robert HOE, the inventors of the celebrated printing press, were among his pupils. Mr. and Mrs. MEAD united with the Cedar Street Presbyterian church under the pastorate of Dr. J. B. ROMEYN.  Owing to Mrs. MEAD's failing health they removed to Cattaraugus county in the fall of 1830, settling in the village of Franklinville.  With his brother-in-law, the late Seth ELY, who preceded him by two years, he kept tavern in a building erected for the purpose (standing near where W. A. DAY's buildings now are).  Mr. MEAD taught the district school in the old red school house two winters.  As Mr. and Mrs. MEAD came with a "gift" (A communion plate, still in use, presented by three young men of New York City) in their hand to the Presbyterian church of Franklinville, they esteemed it their greatest joy to unite with that church, which they did by letter on the first Sunday after their arrival, and Mr. MEAD was elected and ordained an elder, remaining such till his death, being also elected clerk of the session, trustee, clerk of the society, etc.  Nov. 14, 1870, they celebrated their golden wedding.  In politics Mr. MEAD was in early days a Whig, becoming afterward an Abolitionist.  He died at his home in Cadiz, Dec. 23, 1874; Mrs. MEAD died May 19, 1882.  Children: Thomas Ely, born Aug. 10, 1821, died Aug. 28, 1822; Maria S., born July 30, 1824, married J. C. GIDDINGS on July 4, 1849, and now lives in Venango Pa.; Romeyn, born March 22, 1827, married Mrs. Jane B. McGUIRE on Oct. 12, 1871, and now lives in McMinnville, Tenn.; Lois Rebecca, born Sept. 16, 1830, married Aaron TREADWELL, settled in Redding, Fairfield county, Conn., and she died Oct. 16, 1888; Rhoda Ely, born Dec. 17, 1833; Eli Clark, born Aug. 1, 1836, died Jan. 3, 1839; Aaron Benedict, born Nov. 7, 1838, married Mary E. PACKARD on Sept. 2, 1868, and now lives in Chicago, Ill.; and Merlin Edward, born Aug. 18, 1842, married Isabella W. JOHNSTON, March 7, 1877, and resides in Cadiz.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 661 & 662

 

Surnames:  MITCHELL, YULE, CURRIE

 

William MITCHELL, with his wife and sons Alexander, Thomas, and John and daughters Janet and Agnes, emigrated from Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1834, and settled on a part of lot 6 in the town of Freedom.  Respected by his neighbors for his moral and religious worth his house was the ministers' home, and through his influence a branch of the United Presbyterian church of Lyndon was formed and sustained during his life.  He died in 1860, aged seventy-six; his widow died in 1874, aged eighty-five.  Alexander, after living in York, N. Y., a number of years, returned to Freedom and was elected justice of the peace in 1857, which office he held until his death in 1875.  He was largely identified with all the public affairs of the town, settled satisfactorily many family estates, and always used his influence to prevent litigation.  Janet married James YULE and settled in Eagle, Wyoming county, where their family still remains.  Agnes married Andrew CURRIE, of Lyndon, where she lives with her sons.  John was elected justice of the peace in Freedom in 1876 and held that office until his removal to Franklinville, where he and Thomas now reside.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 662

 

Surnames:  MORGAN, McCLUER, CAMPBELL

 

Henry MORGAN, son of Samuel and Sarah MORGAN, was born in Cherry Valley Otsego county, April 2, 1806.  It is a noteworthy coincidence that while Gen. Joseph McCLUER was taking the initiatory steps toward developing the future town of Franklinville, a child should be born in a distant part of the State destined to play such a conspicuous part in its history. Of Mr. MORGAN's early life but little is known, except that he received a common school education that was scarcely up to the standard even of those early times.  But what he failed to acquire from teachers was amply compensated for by his strong, vigorous intellect and his instinctive love of knowledge.  After he fully developed into manhood, many of the intricate problems in the sciences were solved as if by intuition, especially so in the mathematics.  He was kind hearted and sympathetic, and easily moved by the misfortunes of those about him, yet he was eccentric in his modes of charity.  He was ready in case of need to do what he could by his own labor, or to furnish a team, or himself and team, or supply food such as he had to spare; but it is not known that he ever bestowed money.  When property was turned into cash it was carefully laid by.  He was no miser, yet he was not a spendthrift; he was industrious and fruga1.  In 1833, in company with his parents and three sisters, he removed to this town and settled on lot 51, town four, range five, a tract of land then known as the Big Elm flats, since known as MORGAN hollow.  Here during the succeeding four years he underwent the toils and privations of pioneer life.  In 1837 he rented what was then known as the "Half-way House," and with the family left, for the time being, his home in the "Hollow."  For about four years he acted as host, hostler, and farmer.  In 1841 he returned with the family to his home on the "Elm flats."  Soon after his father died and two of his sisters married, and thus he became the head of a family consisting of himself, his aged mother, and a sister, for whom he ever provided with a bountiful hand.  Thus situated he continued to reside on his farm in MORGAN hollow twenty-five years.  In 1866 he sold his farm in the hollow and purchased of Robert CAMPBELL a farm of fifty acres, on which he resided a few years.  Soon after his mother's death he removed with his sister Almira to Cadiz, where her death occurred a few years later.  Afterward his sister, Mrs. Eliza CAMPBELL, and her husband remained with him until his death, which occurred at Cadiz after a brief illness Oct. 8, 1881.

 

A few years prior to his death, Mr. MORGAN held consultation with some of his friends concerning the propriety of having a town hall.  After a few interviews of this nature the subject was not again mentioned by him to anyone except to his attorney.  His mind was of the argumentative type; he reasoned from cause and effect, and his beliefs were mainly based on such propositions as could be demonstrated.  He regarded all phenomena as the effect of natural, though often either of obscure or invisible causes.  His intellect was adapted to deal with the physical sciences rather than with those of the metaphysical and psychological.  He believed in the existence of God and in the immortality of the soul, and derived his belief from the material universe.  Near the close of his life, and after those who had affectionately clung to him to the last had passed to the palace of rest, he decided to bequeath to the town of Franklinville the larger portion of his property for the purpose of erecting a town hall.  After Henry MORGAN's munificent bequest of about $8,000 a magnificent building was erected, on which, in bas-relief, are two words, MORGAN HALL.

 

There are three names that will ever remain green in the hearts of the people of Franklinville: Gen. Jos. McCLUER, Peter TEN BROECK, and Henry MORGAN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 663

 

Surnames:  MORRIS, STILLWELL, PATTERSON

 

John MORRIS and his father, Thomas, came to Franklinville from New Jersey, in 1807.  Thomas MORRIS selected lot 38 and erected a dwelling house upon it.  During the same summer he opened a store on the ground now occupied by the residence of the late Horatio STILLWELL.  Mr. MORRIS was supervisor of the town of Ischua (now Franklinville) in 1818, 1819, 1820 and 1822 and of Franklinville in 1846, 1847, and 1848.  John was born in 1802 and in 1823 married Lovina, daughter of John PATTERSON, and had ten children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 663

 

Surnames:  MYERS, CAMPBELL

 

Samuel B. MYERS was born in Portage, N. Y., June 30, 1842.  Feb. 14, 1865, he enlisted in Co. B, 154th Ill. Vols., and was mustered out May 22d following.  Nov. 15, 1880, he married Mary E., daughter of Albert J. and Permelia C. CAMPBELL, of Franklinville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 663

 

Surnames:  OAKES, LEONARD, MORGAN, CLEVELAND, CROSBY

 

Elijah OAKES is a son of Elijah, who served in the Revolutionary war.  At an early day the father settled in Rochester and moved thence in 1839 to Franklinville, where he located a farm of fifty acres, which he cleared.  He married Joannah LEONARD, who bore him twelve children, of whom Elijah, Jr., was born Feb. 10, 1835, and Oct. 20, 1856, married Sarah C., daughter of Hiram and Harriet C. MORGAN, of Franklinville.  In Sept., 1864, Mr. OAKES enlisted in Co. A, 187th N. Y. Vols., participated in the battle of Hatcher's Run, and was discharged in March, 1865.  Returning to his farm, he resided there until 1880 when he moved to Cadiz.  Mrs. OAKES died Oct. 24, 1881, and he married, second, Katie, daughter of Freeman and Maryette CLEVELAND.  His children are Manley C., Willie V., and Ella E. (Mrs. B. CROSBY).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 663 - 665

 

Surnames:  OLDER, MARVIN, MOORE, SMITH, JEWELL, PERKINS, REYNOLDS

 

Marvin OLDER was born in Middletown, Delaware county, Aug. 22, 1810.  A few days after his birth the Hon. Dudley MARVIN called at the house of his parents and suggested that the tiny specimen of humanity before him be christened Marvin.  The name was agreed to by common consent, and ever since he has answered to it.  His parents, William and Hannah OLDER, raised sixteen children, Marvin being the sixth son and eighth child.  In 1815 his parents with their family removed to Otisco, Onondago county, where they remained three years.  Mr. OLDER has jacously remarked that, during that time, there was nothing pertaining to the narration of his life "except that I invariably stood at the head of my class in district school, from the fact that there were but two in the class, and one of them at least was lamentably underwitted," which of course was the other fellow.  On the 16th of July, 1818, William OLDER unloaded his household appendages from an emigrant wagon by the side of an excellent spring on the northeast corner of lot 25, township five, range four, of the Holland Land Company's purchase.  This location was then in the original town of Ischua, which at that date included the entire north half of the county of Cattaraugus.  It is now in the town of Farmersville, one and one-half miles northeast from the village of Franklinville.  The location for the last seventy-three years has been known as OLDER hill.  At that time there was but one school house in the whole country.  Marvin's father was a cooper, and the shop became the school room of the young student.  His library consisted of a Bible and psalm book, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, Young's Night Thoughts, Hervy's Meditations, an antiquated dictionary whose first pages contained a condensed synopsis of English grammar in its most incomprehensible and mysterious form, Dwight's Geography, Dilworth's and Daboll's Arithmetics, the American Preceptor, Webster's Spelling Book, Esop's Fables, Robinson Crusoe, and Charlotte Temple.  Such were the surroundings of the mere stripling when he commenced the struggle for intellectual development.  Without the privilege of attending school, and with an unquenchable desire to obtain knowledge, home study became a passion as well as a necessity.  In that cooper shop, with the shavings that fell from his father's drawing-knife for a light, a barrel-head for a slate, and a piece of coal for a pencil, many a knotty problem yielded to his persevering efforts.

 

From the age of thirteen to fifteen years, Marvin attended the district school in the old log school house which stood a short distance north of the village of Franklinville; two months to Miss Louie MOORE (since Mrs. SMITH, of Hinsdale) and about the same length of time to Pardon T. JEWELL; and afterward eleven and a half days to Eleazer PERKINS.  This rounded him up and polished him off as an accomplished scholar of the period.  In the autumn of 1828 he entered upon his first term as a teacher, and at intervals, both summer and winter, has followed the profession through a period of forty years, having in all taught what is equal to fifteen years without recess or vacation.  It is balm of Gilead to the heart of Mr. OLDER at this time, when the shadows of life are lengthening, to know that he has no warmer or more faithful friends than those old-time pupils who received the first rudiments of an English education from him.  Of the nine sons in his father's family Marvin alone remains; of the daughters three survive and reside in the west.

 

On the 17th of July, 1836, Marvin married Diantha T. REYNOLDS, of East Bloomfield, Ontario county, who was born in Sullivan, Madison county, Feb. 23, 1816.  There have been born to them four sons and six daughters.  Their oldest child (a son) died in infancy; of the other sons, Robert E. and William M. served in the army during the Rebellion.  Robert E. was killed near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864; William M. was wounded and captured in the valley of the Shenandoah and died of starvation in Andersonville, Ga., Aug 22, 1864.  The remaining son, Wallis M., died at Franklinville, Dec. 24, 1878.  Of the daughters five are or have been teachers and all are married.

 

Oct. 24, 1861, Mr. OLDER enlisted in Co. I, 6th N. Y. Vol. Cav., and after a brief period of camp drill at Staten Island, N. Y., the regiment was sent to the front early in the summer of 1862, and was successively under command of Generals PLEASANTON, AVERILL, CUSTER, and SHERIDAN.  Soon after the organization of the regiment he was detailed on extra duty as clerk in the quartermaster's and commissary's departments in the field, which positions gave additional comforts and duties.  This relieved him from ordinary duties of the rank and file, yet he participated in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, and came out free from bruise or scratch.  On the night of the last day of April, 1863, he was one of a squad of seventy, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel McVICKER, who, being on a reconnaissance, suddenly found themselves in the darkness of a foggy night, surrounded on all sides by the enemy enroute for the historic heights of Chancellorsville.  Mr. OLDER says of this adventure:

 

"To stay and fight would be sheer madness; to tamely submit would be cowardice; and the only way was to hew a road with the sabre in a desperate charge.  The latter alternative was adopted; some succeeded and reached the main body, and some fell in the encounter.  I was among the latter, and when I had, after a severe effort, collected the scattered fragments of what little intellect I once possessed, I found myself half buried in mud, with my head sadly battered by a sabre-stroke and a dead horse across my legs.  I drew myself from beneath my dead horse and crawled to a little mound beneath some dwarf pines and communed with myself in sober, almost in dead, earnest.  There was nothing to disturb or vary my gloomy forebodings except the groans of the wounded, the twinges of acute pain, the moaning of the chill night wind, and the heavy rumble of artillery trains on the distant pikes enroute for the bloody scenes of the coming morrow.  I had dragged from my saddle two blankets, an overcoat, and a haversack of provisions, but of these, as soon as it was light, the vandal hounds relieved me.  We were then taken to some farm buildings hard by, and suffered to sun ourselves and nurse our wrath on the south side of an old out-house.  Toward night we were taken to Spotslyvania Court House and our wounds dressed, and the next day I, with two others who were unable to walk, was loaded into a dump-cart drawn by a dilapidated mule, and started on our triumphal march to the city of Richmond!  After much fatigue, many delays, privations, and starvations, we arrived at our destination, and were at once escorted to that historic watering place, Belle Isle, and subsequently to that fashionable resort, the 'Hotel de Libby,' where we were treated to rebel hospitality by way of the naked floor for a bed, the grimmy old roof for a covering, gray-backs for recreation, mule soup for refreshment, and river water for a beverage.  But all things have an end, and so did my imprisonment.  I was returned on parol by way of Petersburg, City Point, James River, Fortress Monroe, and Annapolis to convalescent camp near, the city of Washington, where we arrived in July, 1863.  I was immediately detailed as a clerk in the ordnance department, and for merit was promoted to the first rank in the office, and the order of detail was made permanent by the endorsement of the secretary of war, in which position I remained until the close of the term of my enlistment, when I returned to my family a poor, battered, time-worn veteran of the war."

 

Mr. OLDER's life has been one of changes.  He has labored in the field and has held official positions; he has taught common schools, and has been at the head of polite literary circles.  For ten years he held the chairmanship of the Regents' Board of Examiners in TEN BROECK Free Academy, and filled the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned.  In disposition he is unobtrusive and retiring, and the positions he has held are those in which his services have been next to indispensable.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 665

 

Surnames:  PATRIDGE, ELLIS, MORGAN, WARING

 

Maj. Flavel PATRIDGE was a native of Wilbraham, Mass.  His wife was Azubah ELLIS, of Stafford Springs, Conn., and with one child, Frances C., they came to Franklinville in 1820, living in a small house where the MORGAN block now stands, where he carried on shoemaking and conducted a store.  Major PATRIDGE was a prominent man in politics and held several positions of honor and responsibility.  He was town supervisor in 1828, was postmaster a number of years, and a member of Assembly in 1829.  He was a strong temperance advocate and an active member of the Presbyterian church.  Of his nine children only one, Eliza A. (Mrs. James WARING), is living in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 665

 

Surnames:  PATTERSON, STONE, ADAMS

 

John PATTERSON came from Onondaga county to the county of Wyoming in 1805, and moved thence to Franklinville in 1820.  A few years later he purchased and settled on a farm.  Mr. PATTERSON was well known in the county as well as in his town.  He was supervisor of Franklinville in 1830.  He built a hotel about 1830 which he kept for several years and sold to Jarvis STONE, who kept it until his death.  Between 1860 and 1870 the property was sold by the heirs and has since acquired the name of "Brown Eagle."  Mr. STONE left three children: George, William, and Mary (Mrs. Russell ADAMS).  John PATTERSON was the first collector in Franklinville after its organization in 1824.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 666

 

Surnames:  PHILLIPS, McCLUER, GARLICK, LAIDLAW, SCHUTZ, VAN SLYKE, HARRISON

 

Peter PHILLIPS, from Kinderhook, this State, came to Franklinville about 1831 and married Mrs. Samuel McCLUER.  Children: William W., born March 9, 1835; Charles W., born March 17, 1837; and David L., born June 9, 1839.

 

Otis W. PHILLIPS, son of John, came from Chenango county to the town of Franklinville in 1833 and settled on what is now South Main street in the village, where he died May 19, 1888.  His wife was Phebe GARLICK, who bore him eight daughters and three sons.  He was a carpenter and built many of the best houses in the town.  As a citizen he was highly respected and as a politician he became very popular, being supervisor of his town in 1844.  Five of his children are living:  Sarah M. (Mrs. James LAIDLAW); Phebe M. (Mrs. Charles SCHUTZ); L. A. (Mrs. Egbert VAN SLYKE of Great Valley; Delia M. (Mrs. Truman HARRISON); and Otis H.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 666

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, FAY, SIMONDS

 

William PIERCE came to Franklinville in 1832, from Genesee county, and settled on Genesee street.  There were four children: Harriet, John, Ellen (Mrs. Cyrus FAY), and Lorette.  He sold to Mr. SIMONDS in 1859 and removed.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 666

 

Surnames:  PRATT, McCLUER, COWLES, HOLDEN, GREEN

 

Ira PRATT, one of the axeman who accompanied Joseph McCLUER while surveying the Holland Land Company's land, settled in the Ischua valley, but just when and where can not be ascertained.  A grandson of Joseph McCLUER states that Mr. PRATT married one of the general's sisters and resided in the town from 1806 to about 1836.  They had three children: Orvil, Lucy, and a second son.  Orvil went to California and became a Supreme Court judge.  There was a vein of dry humor in Ira PRATT's composition which often proved amusing, but sometimes rather annoying to those of whom he made a target.  In 1831 Austin COWLES had come into possession of the Conrad grist-mill below Cadiz.  His occupation was preaching the gospel and grinding the grists.  On one occasion Ira PRATT had taken a grist to mill, but in some mysterious way the grain was lost and COWLES refused to pay for it.  PRATT sued and recovered judgment, whereupon COWLES put up this notice:

 

“Franklinville, March 26, 1831”

WHEREAS, Ira PRATT has commenced a prosecution against the firm of the Franklinville mills for property left thereat, and pretended to be lost by said PRATT; this is therefore to forbid any person leaving grain or other property at said mills on his account, as the subscriber Gives this Notice that he will not hereafter Receive Said Ira PRATT's property in safe Keeping.

“AUSTIN COWLES."

 

To which PRATT replied:

“The Publick are hereby requested to take notice that I forbid Austin COWLES (late miller) preaching or attempting to preach, and all persons are forbid to permit the said COWLES to preach in their houses, outhouses, sheds, or yards any where in my Diocese on pain of my displeasure.  Dated at Franklinville this 28th day of March A. D. 1831.

“ELDER BLOSS"

P. S.  I also forbid Austin COWLES, late miller of Franklinville, taking extra tole from me, or from any of my church, on pain of my displeasure.

“E. B."

 

Noah PRATT, son of John, was born June 12, 1832, in Ashford, and when twenty-one married Jane M., daughter of Arnold HOLDEN.  In 1866 he moved to Franklinville on the farm where B. J. GREEN now resides, where he lived until 1870 when he purchased his present farm.  Children:  Edwin H., Albert L., Alice B., and Edith M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 666 & 667

 

Surnames:  REYNOLDS, SEARL, GLADDING, RYTHER, RANSBURY

 

John REYNOLDS and his wife, Permelia SEARL, and one child, Marilla, came from Washington county to Franklinville in 1819 or ‘20 and settled on the farm now occupied by their son Dennis.  Five of their eight children are living: Henry, Dennis, Maria, Marietta, and Marilla.  Mr. REYNOLDS died Feb. 6, 1865, and his wife July 29, 1884.  Dennis REYNOLDS, born Aug. 1, 1824, married, in 1849, Wealthy, daughter of Jeremiah and Roxey H. (GLADDING) RYTHER, and until 1865 was a farmer on East hill.  In that year he removed to the REYNOLDS homestead.  Children: Stewart, Dwight, Millard, and Fred, of whom only the last named is living.  Henry REYNOLDS was born March 4, 1822, and married, in 1850, Harriet J., daughter of Nathaniel RANSBURY, who came to this town in 1844 and settled on East hill.  Mr. REYNOLDS was also a farmer on East hill, but in 1887 moved to Cadiz.  He has one son, Melvin L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 667

 

Surnames:  RIGGS, BROOKS, McGEORGE

 

Lewis C. RIGGS, son of Dr. Lewis RIGGS (see page 130) was born July 14, 1845.  On Sept. 21, 1868, he married Martha J., daughter of Matthew and Louisa (BROOKS) McGEORGE, and in 1872 assumed charge of the RIGGS homestead in Franklinville.  Mr. RIGGS, like his father, is well posted in agricultural matters and devotes his time solely to the care of the paternal farm.  He is a breeder of Hambletonian horses, Holstein cattle, and Cotswold sheep.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 667

 

Surnames:  ROGERS, SEARL

 

Nathaniel ROGERS, a native of Massachusetts, came to Franklinville in 1850 settling on a farm on East hill, where he died.  He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian church, and had born to him seven children, of whom two are living in this county, viz.: Levi, of Humphrey, and. Mrs. S. S. SEARL.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 667

 

Surnames:  ROOT, MERRILL, ADAMS, HARRISON, BARRON, FRANK, PIERSON, CLEAVELAND, BOWEN

 

Oliver ROOT came from York, Livingston county, about the year 1818 and located on lot 41.  He married Zulama MERRILL.  He built a saw-mill, the first one in that locality.  An incident characteristic of those hardy pioneers occurred at the raising of this mill.  After the frame was up, they all repaired to the log house, where Oliver snugly seated his guests in as nearly a semicircle as the stools, chairs, and benches at his command would permit.  He then mixed a quantity of whisky and sugar in a tin pan, and with a large spoon commenced at one end of the half circle, giving the first a spoonful, then the next, and so on to the end of the line.  The operation was continued, until that crowd was as jolly a set of fellows as a mixture of whisky, sugar, and good nature ever make.  Mr. ROOT lived on the place until his death Feb. 18, 1872; his wife died Feb. 18, 1875.  They had twelve children, two of whom are now living on the homestead.  Warren S. married Sarah, daughter of George ADAMS;  children: Alice C., Charles D. and George W.  Clarinda married Mark HARRISON, resides in the south part of the town, and has one son, Truman.  Noah M. ROOT, another son of Oliver, was born Nov. 16, 1820, and married Betsey, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth BARRON, of Franklinville.  He settled and cleared a farm and died Aug. 9, 1877.  His widow married J. D. FRANK and resides in Great Valley.  Children: Sabra M. (Mrs. Benjamin PIERSON), Huldah E. (Mrs. B. C. CLEAVELAND), and Loren F.  The latter was born Sept. 29, 1850, and married Laura J., daughter of Calvin C. BOWEN.  He resided on the old homestead until 1886, when he moved to the village of Franklinville, where he engaged in the insurance business with J. C. BOWEN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 667 & 668

 

Surnames:  SEARL, HOTCHKISS, JOHNSON, RANSBURY, SILL, HOLMES, BURLINGAME, FARWELL, SARLES, ROGERS, MORRIS, SCOTT, HOWARD, BARD, McCLUER

 

Isaac SEARL was the second son of fifteen children of Gideon and Hannah SEARL, and was born in Whitehall, N. Y., Oct. 23, 1789.  Of this large family, six brothers and five sisters of Isaac have resided in Cattaraugus county.  In July, 1811, Mr. SEARL married Martha HOTCHKISS, of Washington county, and in 1816 moved with his family to Warsaw, N. Y., coming thence in the fall of 1817 to Franklinville, where he died April 11, 1860.  His first settlement in this town was on land occupied by the Globe Hotel, but from this he soon removed to a farm, where he erected a log house, and where he dispensed for many years a generous hospitality.  Mr. SEARL united with the Baptist church in April, 1837, and from then until the close of his life he was an exemplary member of that society.  He had nine children, some of whom survive.  Mr. SEARL was supervisor of Ischua in 1823 and of Franklinville in 1824-27, 1831, 1836-37, 1840, and 1845 – ten terms in all.

 

Isaac SEARL Jr., son of Isaac, was born Sept. 22, 1820, and has always lived in Franklinville.  He has been a life-long farmer, at the present time being one of the most extensive agriculturists in the town.  Like his respected father he has taken a lively interest in town affairs, serving as supervisor in 1861 and 1862 and again from 1868 to 1872 inclusive, and as assessor and poormaster.  He married Jane, daughter of John JOHNSON.  She died Jan. 11, 1883.

 

Orange SEARL, son of Isaac, Sr., was born Jan. 8, 1816, and came with the family to Franklinville, where he has always been a farmer.  He removed to Cadiz in 1875, and is now one of the oldest pioneers in the town.  He married Elizabeth A., daughter of Nathaniel RANSBURY.

 

Lyman SEARL, son of Isaac, Sr., was born May 22, 1818, and occupies the homestead farm of his father, having been almost a life-long resident of a single school district, and following since his boyhood the avocation of a farmer.  He married Hannah M., daughter of Elijah SILL (q. v.); children: Lucian H., Viola E., and Henriette (Mrs. Luther M. HOLMES).

 

Samuel SEARL was born Jan. 13, 1812.  He was a son of Isaac and Martha (HOTCHKISS) SEARL, and he married, Sept. 19, 1835, Sophronia, daughter of Ira and Elizabeth BURLINGAME.  Settling first on East hill, he removed thence in 1851 to the farm now occupied by his son Fayette.  Mr. SEARL held several positions of trust, was a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1858, and was an exemplary member and deacon of the Baptist church.  Of his two children, Fayette and Hanford, the latter, born June 25, 1837, enlisted in June, 1861, in Co. K, 85th N. Y. Vols., was promoted orderly-sergeant, was taken sick in front of Yorktown, and was taken to the hospital at Annapolis, Md., where he died May 3, 1862.  Samuel SEARL died Feb. 17, 1865; his wife died July 25, 1857.  Fayette SEARL, born March 7, 1846, married, March 18, 1867, Susan C. FARWELL, of Ischua, and lives on the homestead.

 

Jeriah SEARL, born in Hampton, N. Y., Jan. 3, 1788, died in Franklinville in April, 1863.  He married in 1815 Rachel SARLES, and carried on farming and manufactured chairs.  In 1835. with his wife and four children, he moved to Franklinville, settling on a farm of 115 acres on East hill.  For fifty years Mr. SEARL was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Cadiz and for thirty years was class-leader.  His wife was born May 28, 1787, and died Sept. 4, 1867.  Children:  Almond D., Caroline C. (Mrs. J. W. SILL), Lucy B., and Samuel S.  The latter was born May 23, 1824, and in 1858 married Lucretia, daughter of Nathaniel ROGERS.  Settling on a farm on East hill, which he cultivated a number of years, he moved to Franklinville village in 1885.  Children: Cora M. (Mrs. Clarence MORRIS), Clifton R., Marshall J., and Arthur J.  Almond D. SEARL was born Dec. 4, 1815, and came with his parents to this town in 1835.  He married Jane, daughter of Edward and Lucinda SCOTT, and settled on the farm now occupied by his son E. E.  He died in 1882.  Children: Dolson B., Emily, Covil J., Walter H., Julia C., Electa M., Lucy L., Frank E., Elmer E., Ellen J., and Agnes S.

 

Gideon SEARL, a native of Washington county, came to Cadiz at an early day and engaged in mercantile trade.  He subsequently removed to Ischua, where he followed the same business and was elected a member of Assembly in 1846 upon the Whig ticket.  He finally returned to Franklinville and became postmaster, and was accidentally killed by the cars.  His wife was Lorania HOWARD, by whom he had seven children, four of whom are living: Cynthia A. (Mrs. S. P. BARD), Gideon, O. S., and Roxanna (Mrs. J. H. McCLUER).  Mr. SEARL was much respected, and the positions he filled he honored with a noble manliness and a strict integrity.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 669

 

Surname:  SEWARD

 

Stephen SEWARD came from Decatur, N. Y., in April, 1827, and put up a double log house, which was considered aristocratic in those days.  He settled on the east part of lot 21.  He was a man of much decision of character and manifested a good deal of public spirit.  James SEWARD, son of Stephen, came to Franklinville with his father in 1827 and settled on lot 21. He was a man of some ability and perseverance; he became captain of militia, and his influence in society was good.  Orrin M. SEWARD served as supervisor of this town in 1855 and Thomas held the same office in 1841 and 1842.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 669

 

Surnames:  SEXTON, BABCOCK, STARKWEATHER, FRANK, NORTON

 

David C. SEXTON, a native of Rhode Island, came to Cazenovia, N. Y., where he resided until 1825, when he came to Rushford, Allegany county, with his family.  There he followed the trade of carpenter and builder until his death in 1843.  Hezekiah C. SEXTON, his son, born April 28, 1804, came to Rushford with his father, and Dec. 16, 1824, married Maria, daughter of Elisha BABCOCK, of Cazenovia, who was born in 1807.  Mr. SEXTON took up a farm where Rushford village now is, and was deputy sheriff of Allegany county for several years.  In 1845 he came to Freedom and a few years later to Cadiz, where he kept hotel until about 1870.  He died Nov. 14, 1885, and his wife Jan. 16, 1890.  Children: Melinda D. (Mrs. STARKWEATHER), of Buffalo; Emily E. (adopted), wife of Dr. T. F. FRANK, of Pittsburg, Pa.; and Elisha D., born June 26, 1830.  For six years Elisha was employed by Beach, Wheeler & Co., of Buffalo, as traveling solicitor.  June 15, 1857, he married Eliza H., daughter of Bela NORTON, of Hinsdale, and soon after settled on a farm near Cadiz, where he lived till 1885, when he moved to Franklinville.  He has one daughter, Belle D.  Mr. SEXTON is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 669

 

Surnames:  SILL, ARNOLD, FARWELL, SEARL, GUTHRIE, LINDERMAN, REYNOLDS, CONRAD

 

William SILL was born in Connecticut, Sept. 25, 1786.  His wife, Harriet ARNOLD, was born May 10, 1796.  They were married in Victor, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1815.  With three brothers – Deodatus, Elijah, and Alonzo – he came to Franklinville about 1820 and settled in the south part of the town.  He died Aug. 30, 1839, and his wife Oct. 1, 1859.  Children: John W., Caroline H., Elijah B., Thomas M., Chloe A. (drowned), Charlotte A., Phebe A., Andrew J., Alonzo D., and Mark.  Thomas M. SILL, born in May, 1822, married, Sept. 13, 1849, Sarah M. FARWELL, of Ischua, and settled on a part of the A. J. SILL estate, but subsequently removed to the farm on which his widow now lives, where he died in May, 1886.  Children: Elon M., Viletta M. (Mrs. E. E. SEARL), Enos K., and Carrie G. (Mrs. Edwin GUTHRIE, Jr.).  Andrew J. SILL was born Oct. 29, 1832, in Franklinville.  He married, Jan. 4, 1860, Mary A., daughter of Nicholas and Rebecca LINDERMAN, of Ischua, and settled on the homestead, where he resided until 1884, when he moved to the village of Franklinville, where he died July 4, 1889.  His widow and three children – Mrs. H. R. REYNOLDS, Aggie and Will N. – reside in Franklinville.

 

Deodatus SILL, brother of William, settled about 1820 on the farm now owned by Dennis REYNOLDS, where he died.  He had ten children.

 

Elijah SILL, brother of William, married Margaret, daughter of Henry CONRAD.  He resided in Franklinville from his settlement in 1820 until about 1833, when he removed to Hinsdale, but four years later returned.  Eight years afterward he moved to Hinsdale again, where he died.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 669 & 670

 

Surnames:  SIMONDS, KILBORN, JAMESON

 

O. H. C. SIMONDS was born in Brownville, N. Y., in 1808.  When quite young he came with his father, John SIMONDS, to Alexander, Genesee county, where he resided until after his majority.  He married Laura KILBORN, of Canandaigua, N. Y., Nov. 3, 1830.  Coming to this town from Genesee on May 6, 1831, he settled on lot 46, on the road afterward called Genesee street.  He taught school a number of winters and his remarkable powers of explanation rendered him an excellent teacher.  He took a great interest in the early Sunday schools and did much to make them successful.  He has been town superintendent of common schools and commissioner of highways.  Children:  Mary, Philo, Ellen, Julia, Sabra, Justin, and Harriet, of whom Philo, Ellen, Julia, and Sabra are living.  Mrs. SIMONDS died May 6, 1889.  Julia, the widow of William JAMESON, resides on the farm with her father.  Justin enlisted in Co. A, 100th N. Y. Vols., and was killed at Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863.  The following is taken from a letter of his dated "Camp near the Chickahomony, June 13, 1862":

 

"We crossed the Chickahomony at Bottom's Bridge on the 23d and were kept on constant picket duty for more than a week at Fair Oaks Station.  At the battle of the 31st our division, of not more than 600 fighting men, was in the advance, and consequently was the first to receive the attack of the enemy, whose force was not less than 30,000.  Yet it took them three hours to drive us back a half-mile.  By this time the other divisions had come up and all were driven back another half-mile before dark.  You can judge of the loss of the division by our company.  We went in with thirty-six men and left fifteen on the field, including our captain and first lieutenant.  Our second lieutenant has since died at Camp Scott, so it leaves our company without an officer.  I succeeded in getting near enough to them to take the belt from a Louisiana Tiger, and I have it now."

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 670

 

Surnames:  STORRS, CAMPBELL, MORSE, RATHBUN, INGALLS, NICHOLS, BRADLEY, FARRAR, GROW, ADAMS, PINDAR, ANTISDALE, PETTENGILL, HARVEY, EDDY

 

Thomas Denny STORRS, son of Nathaniel STORRS, was born in Mansfield, Conn., Feb. 11, 1782.  When quite young he came with his father's family to Worcester, N. Y.  April 8, 1804, he married Katharine, daughter of Alexander CAMPBELL, of Glasgow, Scotland, a brother of Robert CAMPBELL, of the same place.  She was born in Rheinbeck, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1787.  They resided in Worcester until April, 1827, when they came to Franklinville, arriving on the 25th.  He settled on lot 37, which he had previously purchased of James O. MORSE and Benjamin RATHBUN.  In the fall of 1827 he put up the first frame house on the street, clearing a place just a trifle larger than the building.  Then the struggle for existence commenced.  Not a rod of ground was cleared. on which to raise food, and to this wilderness home Mr. STORRS had brought his wife and six children.  The principal meat for a time was venison, which was plentiful; corn bread, with now and then flour enough to make a shortcake, comprised the menu in those days.  Mr. STORRS was a cooper, and by furnishing the asheries with pot and pearlash barrels and making black-salts he very soon established a comfortable home, where he resided until his death Aug. 19, 1874.  Children:  Martha (Mrs. Simeon INGALLS), Nirum, Alexander, William, Jehiel, George C., Lester, and Jane (Mrs. James H. NICHOLS).  Nirum, born May 23, 1806, came with the family to Franklinville and settled on lot 29.  He married Silva, daughter of James BRADLEY, of Middlefield, N. Y., at the home of Royal FARRAR in Machias, and the two lived together until May 10, 1878, when she died in Hinsdale.  Children: Thomas, Barzilla, Phoebe, and Catherine.  Alexander was a lawyer in Hinsdale; see page 331.  His four children were Emery A., Rosette (Mrs. John A. GROW), Caroline (Mrs. John ADAMS), and Marshall, who died in infancy.  Emery A. became a prominent member of the Chicago bar.

 

William STORRS was born in Worcester, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1810, and came to Franklinville with his father in 1827.  June 1, 1834, he married Lydia, daughter of Edward and Rachel PINDAR, of Worcester, and they settled on a part of the homestead.  In the autumn of 1840, he and his wife returned to Otsego.  In the spring of 1841 he became pastor of the Baptist church in Jefferson, Schoharie county.  In the summer of 1842 he became pastor of the Baptist church in the village of Lodi, town of Cherry Valley, N. Y., where he was ordained March 8, 1843.  In addition to his ministerial work he has taught several terms of district, academic, and select schools.  In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 76th N. Y. Vols., and was soon appointed military commander of the messroom.  A few days later he was appointed commissary-sergeant, and held both positions until he was discharged in May, 1862, on account of disability.  He returned to his home in Belmont, Allegany county, where his wife died Jan. 20, 1889.  He now resides in Hinsdale.

 

George C. STORRS was born April 5, 1820, and was brought to Franklinville at the age of seven.  He early developed a passionate love of books, which were the companions of his leisure moments.  He soon turned his attention to mathematics, mastering branch after branch with a rapidity rarely equalled.  He also became conversant with other studies.  His habits of study led him to adopt teaching as a profession, which he followed for more than twenty years with marked success.  In the sciences he was well versed and was also a fair scholar in the languages. He served two winters as clerk of a committee in the Assembly at Albany and over three years as an officer in Clinton prison at Dannemora, N. Y.  Oct. 25, 1842, he married Mary J., daughter of Moses and Nancy ANTISDALE.  Children: Mary (Mrs. Edwin PETTENGILL and later Mrs. Seward HARVEY), of Mansfield; Amelia, who died at the age of sixteen; Willard, who died in infancy; Lester; and Ida. (Mrs. Byron EDDY), of Eddyville.  Lester resides on the homestead.

 

Lester STORRS was born May 23, 1822, and was brought with the family to Franklinville at the age of five years.  He became a teacher at an early age and died Oct. 26, 1849, of consumption caused by over-study and a severe cold caught in the winter of 1847.  In 1848 he taught two terms on Jackson hill in Cuba, N. Y., and one term in the academy at Richburg, Allegany county, in the spring of 1849.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 671

 

Surname:  TEN BROECK

 

John TEN BROECK was a brother of Hon. Peter TEN BROECK (see page 278) and was born in Otsego county on March 11, 1797.  He came to Farmersville in 1821 or 1822.  He removed to the village of Franklinville in 1847, and died Sept. 15, 1866, his remains being buried in "TEN BROECK cemetery" under a costly monument prepared by his own direction.  John TEN BROECK was a man almost the direct opposite of his honored brother.  He was abrupt and eccentric but charitable, unpolished in etiquette and harsh in retort but kindhearted, and possessed excellent traits of character.  From his first wife he obtained a divorce and the second bore him no children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 671

 

Surnames:  VAUGHAN, ROOD, LITCHFIELD

 

Joseph M. VAUGHAN came from Wayne county, Pa., in 1820 and settled in this town on lot 61.  With a yoke of oxen he made the journey, bringing his wife, Lydia ROOD, to his home in the unbroken wilderness.  Joseph M., Jr., their son and one of their nine children, was born May 21, 1808, and married Polly, daughter of Ensign LITCHFIELD, of Ellicottville; children: Abraham, Lucinda, Jessie, Joseph E., Almanza, Laura, Lydia, David G., Fred A., Harriet P., and Charles M. Abraham served in the Rebellion and died in the service.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 671 & 672

 

Surnames:  WARING, BARD, PATRIDGE

 

William WARING and Catharine, his wife, came from Connecticut about 1821 and located on lot 33 on the farm now owned and occupied by their eldest son, John WARING.  The family consisted of four sons and four daughters.  The eldest daughter, Julia, is the wife of A. F. BARD of Port Allegany, Pa.  The eldest son, John, is a prosperous farmer one mile north of Franklinville.  The second son, James, now a dealer in general merchandise in Franklinville, was born in what is now Farmersville, April 6, 1821.  In his youth he was apprenticed to a village blacksmith, and after his majority he erected a shop opposite the Globe Hotel, where he commenced business for himself, and soon after married Eliza, daughter of the Hon. Flavel PATRIDGE, and has four sons and three daughters, all living.  The life of a village blacksmith soon became too monotonous for one of' Mr. WARING's versatile temperament and he tried farming with indifferent success, the sober realities of the profession oftentimes running counter to his ruling propensities to buy and sell.  He has distributed vast sums of money to farmers in this vicinity for principally wool and butter.  He has always shared a fair measure of public confidence, having held many offices of trust and emolument, and his life thus far has been financially a success.  His friendships are warm and spontaneous, his dislikes and aversions are decisive.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 672

 

Surnames:  WARNER, HOLLISTER

 

Moses WARNER, with his four sons, Moses, Jr., Parley, John, and Roswell, all from Vermont, settled on lot 5, township 4, range 5, in the summer of 1806, and three of the boys, on becoming of age, took parts of the same lot.  But little is known concerning the old gentleman except that he was a cooper and worked at his trade.  The mother left a legacy of good deeds behind her.  She was an excellent nurse, and also possessed considerable skill in combatting diseases with roots and herbs.  She was often called on to perform the more delicate duties usually assigned to the medical profession, and when such calls were made there was no night too dark or rough, no path too lonesome or obscure, no day too cold or stormy for Mother WARNER to hasten to the bedside where her services were needed.  She possessed good health and a lithe, wiry frame, and never troubled herself or those around her for horse or carriage to take her to the sufferer's couch.  Many a patient had reason to say "God bless you, Mother WARNER."  She had a strong, well-balanced, intellect, and in short might be termed a walking volcano of wit, sarcasm, and good humor.  The boys inherited their mother's constitution and many of her characteristics, and were noted for their courage, powers of endurance, and love of fun.  John WARNER married Naomi HOLLISTER in 1811, theirs being the first marriage in the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 672

 

Surnames:  WEED, CHANDLER, CROWLEY, HOGG

 

William Franklin WEED was born in Darien, Conn, June 3, 1811, and was the tenth child and fifth son of Nathan and Mary WEED.  Nov. 14, 1831, he married Sarah W. CHANDLER and in May, 1834, came to this town.  Children: Dexter C., Nathan F., and M. Adelie (Mrs. M. J. CROWLEY).  Mrs. WEED died Sept. 10, 1876, and Oct. 9, 1877, Mr. WEED married Miss Ann E. HOGG.  He was a leading factor in the material prosperity of the town; himself and sons were long identified with its financial, mercantile, moral, and educational progress.  Nathan F., under the firm name of N. F. WEED & Co., started the first banking business in Franklinville and William F. was the first president of the first bank in town in 1872 and of the First National Bank at its organization in 1877.  The latter represented Franklinville as supervisor from 1863 to 1866 inclusive and Nathan F. held the same office in 1867, 1880, and 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 672

 

Surnames:  WHITNEY, WILDER, BIRGE, BOND, McCLUER, SMITH, SHOWALTER

 

John WHITNEY, son of Christopher and Rhoda (WILDER) WHITNEY, was born in Hinsdale, March 14, 1830.  At the age of sixteen he commenced learning the trade of harnessmaker in the employ of Norman BIRGE and three years later came to Franklinville, where he was employed by Ora BOND, whose harness business he purchased in 1851.  Sept. 9, 1851, he married Mandana, daughter of Manly and Nancy McCLUER; children: Christopher, Emma (Mrs. Alfred SMITH), Fred M., Mandana (Mrs. V. SMITH), and Nettie (Mrs. William SHOWALTER).  In Oct., 1861, Mr. WHITNEY enlisted in Co. I, 6th N. Y. Cav., and was discharged for disability March 16, 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Pages 672 & 673

 

Surnames:  WILLARD, REYNOLDS, BARD

 

Sherlock WILLARD, son of Daniel, was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 15, 1786.  His wife, Elizabeth B. REYNOLDS, was born June 27, 1789.  They came to this town in 1828 and settled first upon a farm then owned by Robert BARD and subsequently upon the place now occupied by their son Franklin P., where Mr. WILLARD died Aug. 31, 1846, and his Wife Oct. 29, 1871.  Mr. WILLARD was a merchant before coming to Franklinville, but after his settlement here followed farming.  Children: Elisha R., Sherlock B., Orville D., Chas. P., Erastus P., Augustus T., Franklin P., Sophia A., Louisa E., Hannah M., Mary E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 673

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, STERLING, MORGAN

 

Simeon R. WILLIAMS, son of Sylvester and Lydia (STERLING) WILLIAMS, was born in Granville, N. Y., April 23, 1814, and in 1838 came to the town of East Otto, where he purchased a small farm and erected thereon a log house.  Nov. 5, 1838, he married Prudenda MORGAN, who bore him 16 children, 15 of whom grew to maturity.  He moved to this town in 1853, and died March 19, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 673

 

Surnames:  WOOD, SHEWMAN, GRAY, WHITE, SEWARD

 

Abram WOOD is the son of Solomon WOOD, who married Anna SHEWMAN, of New Jersey, and settled in Tompkins county, N. Y., where their first child, Abram, was born in 1830.  In 1831 they came to Lyndon, where five more children were born: Harriet (Mrs. Sylvester GRAY), Halsey S., Horace A., Jane L. (Mrs. Montravill WHITE), and Allena L.  The children of Mrs. Jane L. WHITE are Anna, Harry, and Catharine.  Abram was reared a farmer, but became a contractor and builder, which he followed till his marriage in 1885 to Adelia B. SEWARD, when he returned to farming.  His wife died in 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 673

 

Surnames:  WOODARD, MORGAN

 

Robert J. WOODARD, son of Asa and Mary WOODARD, was born April 14, 1843, and Aug. 6, 1862, enlisted in Co. C, 154th N. Y. Vols.  Participating in the battle of Chancellorsville, he was taken prisoner July 1, 1863, at Gettysburg, was confined in Belle Isle and Richmond, and Sept. 10, 1864, was transferred to Florence, S. C.  Feb. 18, 1865, he was started for Salisbury, N. C., but upon reaching Wilmington he made his escape on the morning of Feb. 19th, and three days later rejoined the Union army.  He was discharged June 23, 1865.  May 27, 1867, Mr. WOODARD married Atalia, daughter of Hiram and Harriet C. MORGAN, and resides on the MORGAN homestead.  Children: Asa H., Charles., George C., and Floyd.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Franklinville – Chapter XXVIII (28)

Page 673

 

Surnames:  WOODWORTH, CHAMBERLIN

 

Harvey WOODWORTH, a brother-in-law of Moses CHAMBERLIN, came to Franklinville in 1823 and settled on lot 45.  He was the first carpenter in the west part of the town, and was a fine workman.  His son Arad, it is said, invented the first brick machine in the United States that worked satisfactorily in making pressed brick.  The first trial of his machine was made on Moses CHAMBERLIN 's farm, near the forks of the road.  The right to manufacture, use, and sell it was afterward sold in Boston for $100,000.

 

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TOWN OF FREEDOM

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 681

 

Surnames:  AUSTIN, WYMAN, DAGGETT, JAMES, JACKSON, BALDWIN, FINDLEY, NORTON, PECK

 

David AUSTIN came from Taunton, Mass., in 1823 and settled on the farm now owned by Alonzo WYMAN.  He was a shoemaker and a farmer.  David AUSTIN, Jr., who came to Freedom with his parents, married Matilda, daughter of Elihu DAGGETT, who came from North Attleboro, Mass., in 1811, and settled on the farm now owned by David JAMES.  Mr. and Mrs. AUSTIN had eleven children, of whom six are living:  Melvin J., Caroline (Mrs. Andrew JACKSON), Almira (Mrs. Sylvester JACKSON), Elroy D., Louisa (Mrs. Lysander BALDWIN), and Edgar AUSTIN.  Elroy D. AUSTIN, born in Arcade, N. Y., Feb. 7, 1836, was a farmer until 1885, when he purchased the grist-mill at Sandusky, which he still owns.  He married Janette, a daughter of Stephen FINDLEY, who came from Scotland in 1833.  Children:  Sarah (Mrs. George NORTON), Arthur E., Elizabeth (Mrs. John E. PECK), William F., and Burton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 681

 

Surnames:  BEEBE, MEAD, PINNEY, GOULD, EDWARDS, DAWLEY

 

Charles BEEBE, from Vermont, came to Arcade with his family about 1815, making the journey with an ox-team.  In 1818 he moved to Freedom and settled on the farm now owned by his youngest son, Wellington, who resides at Aurora.  Mr. BEEBE had eleven children.  Charles BEEBE, Jr., born in Arcade was one year old when his parents came to Freedom.  He married Harriet MEAD; children: Marion (Mrs. C. S. PINNEY), Frank, Verlette C., Ella, Earl, and Mabel (Mrs. Elmer GOULD).  Frank BEEBE was born in Freedom, and for his first wife married Mary, daughter of Joshua EDWARDS; children: Lura and Alice.  He married, second, Alida A., daughter of Albert and Melvina DAWLEY, and they have one daughter, Emma.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 681

 

Surname:  BEEKMAN

 

Frederick BEEKMAN, a Revolutionary soldier and a man of Dutch descent, came to this town in 1820, where he died at the age of 109 years, 6 months, and 5 days.  His wife Susan died two years prior, aged 105 years, 8 months, and 8 days.  Their son Christopher came with them and spent most of his life here.  Of Frederick BEEKMAN many interesting stories are related.  He was thoroughly imbued with the spirit of '76, and early on Fourth of July mornings with his old "howling-piece" on his shoulder, he would sally forth and rouse his neighbors with a grand salute, following it with a "Hurrah for Washington, Gates, Putnam, and Lee, und all der brave men who fought for libertee!" He was patriotic and became a sage for Dutch wit and repartee.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 681

 

Surnames:  BIXBY, PHILLIPS, ROOT, WOODLEY

 

Barnes BIXBY came from New Hampshire in 1817 and settled on the farm now owned by David R. PHILLIPS, where he encountered all the hardships of a pioneer.  He married Hannah BIXBY; children: Daniel, William, Ann, and Lucy.  Daniel BIXBY, born in 1816, was not quite one year old when the family came to Freedom; he was a farmer, and married Vastia ROOT.  Children: Anson E. and Anna J. (Mrs. A. WOODLEY).  Anson E. BIXBY, a farmer, married Margaret WOODLEY; children: David E., Harry J., and Carl A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Pages 681 & 682

 

Surnames:  CHENEY, SCOTT, HOLMES, BEEBE, FOOTE, WOOD, KNIGHT, JAMES, VAN AERNAM, LEWIS

 

The CHENEY family is an early and reputable one in New England, and is of English descent.  As early as 1680 the CHENEYs were residents of Roxbury (Boston Highlands) Mass.  Subsequently some of them settled in New Hampshire, and their descendants are among the prominent people of that State.  Josiah CHENEY, son of Ebenezer, came from Chesterfield, N. H., to Livingston county, N. Y., in 1820.  In 1823 he removed to Freedom, where he built the first woolen-mill in the town in 1824 and operated it until 1836, when he engaged in farming, and continued in this vocation the remainder of his life.  He died in October, 1865.  He was a member of the militia and held town offices.  Mr. CHENEY married Harriet, daughter of Lyman SCOTT, of Chesterfield, N. H.  Their children were Harriet (Mrs. Myron HOLMES), deceased; George, deceased; Jane (Mrs. Darius BEEBE), deceased; Harrison; Wallace, of Java, N. Y.; Walter L.; and Wellington M., a physician of Dansville, N. Y.

 

Lt.-Col. Harrison CHENEY was born in Freedom, Jan. 3, 1830.  After receiving his education in common schools and in Arcade Seminary he taught nine winter terms of district school and labored on his father's farm in summer.  But this quiet farmer's life was not to continue.  At the breaking out of the Civil war he was too true a patriot not to be aroused to action, and in Aug, 1862, he recruited every man of Co. D, 154th N.Y. Vols., and had more applicants than he could receive.  It is said that "he was the only man who recruited, personally, every man of a company in this State."  He was commissioned captain of the company at its organization.  He was engaged at the battle of Chancellorsville and was captured by the enemy at Gettysburg.  On the ninth day after his capture, while marching under guard through a piece of woods near Martinsburg, he broke from the ranks and ran, was hotly pursued into the woods, but escaped, and was a fugitive for twenty-two days before he reached the Union army.  Captain CHENEY was promoted major in Feb., 1865, and lieutenant-colonel in March, 1865, and was mustered out at the close of the war in June, 1865.  Colonel CHENEY married, first, Mary J., daughter of Harvey FOOTE, of Deerfield, N. Y.  Mrs. CHENEY died in 1891.  Their children were Ella M. (Mrs. Cassius C. WOOD), Mary E. (Mrs. Walter L. KNIGHT), and Harry F.  He married, second, Frances D. JAMES, of Freedom.

 

Colonel CHENEY has been prominent in his town and his district, which he represented in the Assembly in 1876 and 1888.  How well he performed his duties can best be told by quoting from the "Review of the Assembly."  He is spoken of among the most earnest working members, and "as a man of tone and character he had no superior.  Far above the wily machinations of bad men, he had the interests of the people at heart, ever watching and working for sound legislation and good government.  With this class of men in our legislative halls we should soon feel a welcome relief from the sad depression into which incompetent and dishonest men have plunged us; and we could once more enjoy the privileges and blessings of an honest prosperity."  Colonel CHENEY made agriculture his vocation after the war, and since 1881, with the exception of three years, he has held the position of railway mail clerk.  Courteous, affable, kind-hearted, and dominated by strong Christian principles, he has ever been a popular citizen and official, and holds a high place in the regards of his numerous friends.  He rightly stands among the representative men of Cattaraugus county, and in the written words of Dr. VAN AERNAM to him: "You helped in clearing the forests of Cattaraugus, helped in opening up its roads, aided in establishing its schools and churches, aided in crushing out the Rebellion, and I think it is due to yourself and your special friends as well as the public that your memory should be perpetuated in its history."

 

Walter L. CHENEY was born in Freedom and has always been a farmer.  He married, first, Frances, daughter of Charles BEEBE, Sr., and had one son, Willie T., of Pike, N. Y.  After her death he married Jane, widow of Capt. Alfred H. LEWIS, by whom he has two children, Hattie E. and John W.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Harrison CHENEY

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Pages 682 & 683

 

Surnames:  CROSSMAN, WORKMAN, STODDARD, RICHARDSON, WAIT, CHILDS

 

William CROSSMAN and two brothers came from England to Connecticut at an early day and subsequently settled in the town of Williamsport, Pa.  He married Sally WORKMAN and just before the War of 1812 removed to Pavilion, N, Y., where he died.  Amos CROSSMAN, his son, was born in 1788, married Alice STODDARD, and in Nov., 1828, came to Freedom, where he bought 244 acres of land, on which there was a log house.  He died in 1870 and his wife in 1868.  Of their seven children six are living: Joel, Lurena (Mrs. Lyman RICHARDSON), Amos, Oren, Alice L., and Omar.  Amos CROSSMAN married Olive E. WAIT and has two children: Homer S. and Lettie A. (Mrs. A. B. CHILDS).  He lives in Cadiz in the town of Franklinville.  Omar CROSSMAN was supervisor of Freedom in 1880 and 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 683

 

Surnames:  CUMMINGS, SHELDON

 

Elbert CUMMINGS, son of Luther, who came from Herkimer county to Yorkshire and soon afterward settled in Freedom, was born on the farm where he now lives Oct. 5, 1844.  In 1877 he started a market garden and now has a little more than thirty acres annually in garden truck.  He married Cora, daughter of Gardner SHELDON; children: Nat. G., Della A., and Howard L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 683

 

Surnames:  EDWARDS, EVANS, LEWIS

 

William EDWARDS, son of Thomas, was born in Wales, emigrated to America in 1855, and resided at Centerville, where he followed farming until 1867.  He then removed to Sandusky and was a merchant's clerk until 1878, when he opened a general store.  He married Sarah A. EVANS; children: Stephen A., George F., Cary T., and Lois M.  Stephen A. is engaged in the insurance business at Sandusky.  He married Mallie E., daughter of Miles and Amanda LEWIS, and has one daughter, M. Eleanor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 683

 

Surnames:  GIBBIN, WILLIAMS, LEWIS, BROWN, LEONARD

 

Edward GIBBIN was born in Wales and came to America in 1851, locating in Farmersville.  He married Phebe WILLIAMS; children: Hattie (Mrs. R. G. LEWIS), Sarah (Mrs. Jesse BROWN), Ann (Mrs. Byron LEONARD), James, Phebe, William, and Mattie (Mrs. William BROWN).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 683

 

Surnames:  HASKELL, RICH, VAN DEUSEN, CRANDALL, CHENEY, WHITE, OWENS, LAW

 

Sylvester HASKELL, son of Daniel and Mary (RICH) HASKELL, was born March 7, 1816.  He learned the tailor's trade, which he followed in Youngstown, Niagara county, and in 1843 came to Freedom and engaged in farming.  With the exception of one year he has since lived in this town.  In 1862 he purchased of Abram VAN DEUSEN the farm on which he now resides.  He married Julia A., daughter of John CRANDALL;  children:  Eugene (deceased), John T., George W., Calvin, and Dwight W.  George W. HASKELL was born in Holland, Erie county, June 2, 1843, and in 1864 enlisted in Co. C, 13th N. Y. H. A., serving until the close of the war.  He returned to Freedom and engaged in farming, and in 1889 purchased the hardware store in Sandusky of E. J. CHENEY, which he sold in 1890 to H. M. WHITE.  Mr. HASKELL married Hettie, daughter of Sampson W. OWENS; children: John W., Alfred E., and Sherman S.  Calvin HASKELL, born in Holland, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1847, lived on the farm with his father until 1879, when he opened a livery and carried the mail from Freedom to Arcade, continuing until the Tonawanda Valley & Cuba railroad was completed.  In April, 1886, he disposed of his livery business and became a conductor on this railroad, which position he still holds.  He married Rose, daughter of John C. LAW;  children:  Nettie J. and Eugene.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 683

 

Surnames:  HOLMES, GALES, LAW

 

Eber HOLMES, from York, Livingston county, came to Freedom in 1827.  He was a man of great energy and enterprise, and soon after he settled here he built a grist-mill on the site of Fred GALES's mill in Sandusky, about the same time he built a saw-mill on what is known as the John LAW estate.  Subsequently he opened a general store at Sandusky, built an ashery, bought the farmers' ashes, and made potash.  Mr. HOLMES was a very popular man and served as supervisor ten years.  Myron HOLMES was supervisor in 1847.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Pages 683 & 684

 

Surnames:  HOWLET, WATERMAN, METCALF, COUDERY

 

Enoch HOWLET located in Freedom in 1810, settling finally where a son now lives.  Coming from Bradford, N. H., he returned to that place almost immediately but came hence and made a permanent settlement in 1812, remaining until his death in 1856.  He was a prominent man and highly respected, and at the first town meeting was vested with four local offices.  On the farm now owned by G. A. WATERMAN he erected the first saw-mill in the town, kept also the first store and inn, and in 1831 was appointed the second postmaster, which office be held at the time of his death.  He was also supervisor and justice of the peace.  His first wife was Susan METCALF, who bore him five children; his second marriage was with Sally COUDERY, by whom he had three children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 684

 

Surnames:  JACKSON, CORNES, SHALLIES, McMILLAN

 

William JACKSON, son of John, was born in Essex county, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1810.  His parents moved to Columbia, Herkimer county, in 1811, and to Cattaraugus county in 1833, settling first in Machias.  He purchased the farm where he now lives and moved onto it in 1841.  He married Elizabeth CORNES; children: Rev. Benjamin F., Dr. William H., Elizabeth (Mrs. J. Henry SHALLIES), Delphia B. (Mrs. Daniel H. McMILLAN), and Charles E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 684

 

Surnames:  JONES, CRAMER, NEWCOMB, HATFIELD, HARPER

 

Levi JONES, from Greenwich, Mass., came to Freedom in 1824 and made the first settlement on the farm now owned by David CRAMER.  He married Rachel, daughter of Elisha NEWCOMB, of Massachusetts;  children: Josiah, Elisha, Levi, Elizabeth, William, Elbert, George, Selina, Marshall, and David.  Levi JONES, Jr., born in Massachusetts was nine years old when his parents came to Freedom.  He was a cooper and a mason, trades which he followed several years.  He married Sophronia, daughter of William HATFIELD; children:  Horace W., Elisha, Parley C., W. Henry, Elliott, Fayette, Mamie, Adelbert, Mary, Runy, and Luther.  Since Mr. JONES has lived in the town he has assisted in killing several bears, one panther, and many deer.  W. Henry JONES was born in Freedom and has conducted a meat market for several years.  He married Mary HARPER; children:  Mildred, Isadore, Myrtie, and Florence.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 684

 

Surnames:  JONES, RICHARDS, ELLITHORPE, LINCOLN

 

Morris M., JONES, a native of Wales, emigrated to America in 1827 and first settled in Oneida county.  Mr. JONES removed to Freedom in 1854, where he is a farmer.  He married Elizabeth RICHARDS, of Wales, who was the mother of his children Mary (deceased), Thomas, Richard, and Catherine (Mrs. Millard ELLITHORPE).  Mrs. JONES died and he married, second, Ann JONES, by whom he has a daughter, Jennie, wife of Bishop LINCOLN, of Yorkshire.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 684

 

Surname:  LAMMIE

 

Daniel LAMMIE was a prominent factor in the town's prosperity.  He was its supervisor in 1851, 1852, 1857, and 1863-66 in all seven terms, and served during the war period with signal ability.  John LAMMIE held the same office five years from 1875 to 1879.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 684

 

Surnames:  LAW, CONGDON, ROUNDS, HASKELL, LEWIS, DAVIS

 

William LAW, a native of England, deserted the British army in the War of 1812 and settled in Washington county.  He married Fanny, daughter of John CONGDON, and both families came to Freedom in 1825.  His children were Eliphalet, John C., and Mary A.  John C. LAW was born in Washington county about 1821 and married Emeline, daughter of Lemuel ROUNDS.  In 1864 he moved to Sandusky, where he died July 22, 1892.  His widow and children survive him.  Children: Denis, Rose (Mrs. C. HASKELL), Cora (Mrs. B. B. LEWIS), and Ada (Mrs. George DAVIS).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Pages 684 & 685

 

Surnames:  LANCKTON, CHENEY, MEAD, HAYDEN, WOOD, CHAPIN, FERRAND

 

Harvey LANCKTON, son of Seth and a native of Massachusetts, born Nov. 11, 1797, settled in Freedom in 1842, and purchased the wool-carding and cloth-dressing-mill of Josiah CHENEY and Guy C. MEAD on the present site of the HAYDEN woolen-mills at Sandusky.  He had previously lived in Holland, where he built a saw-mill and woolen-mill, and in Hurdsville, where he had conducted similar business.  After a few years in Sandusky he sold to his son Albert, who transferred the property to HAYDEN.  Harvey LANCKTON purchased a saw-mill of Elias WOOD, rebuilt it, and with it built a furniture and undertaker's shop.  He constructed the hearse that he used, which was the first one in the town, and continued the furniture and undertaking business till his death in 1870.  Mr. LANCKTON married Eunice CHAPIN.  Children: Albert, Ann C. (Mrs. George CHENEY), deceased, Rosetta (deceased), William Mearns, Emeline and Elvira (deceased), Millard F., Maynard W., and Harriet (Mrs. L. H. FERRAND).  Mr. LANCKTON was succeeded in business by his sons Millard F. and Maynard W., who continued together until 1878, when Maynard W. retired and is a merchant at Delevan.  M. F. continues alone.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 685

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, TARBELL, WILDER

 

Laban LEWIS, son of Reuben and Mary LEWIS, was born in Chesterfield, N. H., Sept. 17, 1787.  In 1810 he married Sarah TARBELL, of Groton, Mass., who was born Jan. 1, 1793, and by her he had fifteen children, of whom only William F., of Arcade, N. Y., was born in Freedom.  Laban LEWIS was a soldier in the War of 1812.  He came to Freedom from Sherborn, Mass., in 1832, and settled in the east part of the town.  Mr. LEWIS died Nov. 26, 1861.  Mrs. LEWIS survives him at the age of ninety-eight years and receives a widow's pension.  She resides with her daughter Calista M. (Mrs. Barnard WILDER) in Armada, Mich.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 685

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, VAN DUSEN, SMITH, WILDER, SPARKS, LAW, JEWELL, GRIFFIN, PHILLIPS, MORGAN

 

Jerome B. LEWIS was the second son of Nathan and Sally LEWIS, was born on the 10th of October, 1830, in the town of Penfield, Monroe county, N. Y., and at the age of three years moved west with the family and settled in Rushford, Allegany county.  He married in December, 1852, at Freedom, Mary E., daughter of John B. and Gertrude M. VAN DUSEN, who came west from Otsego county and settled in the town in 1835.  In the spring of 1853 he moved onto a farm of 157 acres situated about one and one-half miles east of Sandusky village, which he had bought the year before, and which he still owns.  Remaining there until the fall of 1855 he rented the farm and moved with his family to East Rushford, Allegany county, to operate a saw-mill.  As a result of their marriage two daughters and one son were born to them: Lillian, Burton B., and Iva.  In the fall of 1858 he removed to his farm in Freedom, remaining there until the spring of 1862 when he moved to Sandusky to engage in the saw-mill and cheese-box business with William V. SMITH and John L. WILDER, running the mill which is at present owned and operated by Thomas S. SPARKS.  In the spring of 1866 he, in company with John L. WILDER, built at Sandusky the first cheese factory erected in the town, and at present is operating ten factories.

 

Burton B. LEWIS, born at East Rushford, Allegany county, Sept. 3, 1856, was educated in the common schools of Sandusky, at Ten Broeck Free Academy in Franklinville in 1872, at Arcade Academy in 1873, and at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Buffalo during the fall and winter of 1876-77.  He worked at cheese making from 1870 to 1876, attending school during the fall and winter of each year, and is now engaged with his father in the manufacture of cheese as cashier and book-keeper of the Sandusky Combination Cheese Factories.  He was married to Miss Cora V. LAW, daughter of John C. and Emeline LAW, of Sandusky, Sept. 24, 1878, and has a family of six daughters: Leah, Lora, Ruth, Mary, Genevieve, and Margary.  In politics Mr. LEWIS has always been a staunch Republican.  He was elected to the office of town clerk of Freedom in 1878, 1879, 1880, and 1881, and was supervisor in 1882 to 1889 inclusive and again in 1892-93.  He was a member of the County Committee in 1884 and 1889, was nominated by his party to the office of member of Assembly in 1889, and elected over E. B. JEWELL, Esq. (Democrat) and Paul B. GRIFFIN (Prohibitionist) by a plurality of 457, and was again re-nominated in 1890 and elected over Charles W. PHILLIPS (Democrat) and H, B. MORGAN (Prohibitionist) by a plurality of 563.  Mr. LEWIS is quite largely interested in real estate operations in Buffalo, and is an estimable citizen enjoying great personal popularity.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Burton B. LEWIS

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, OWENS, DAVIS

 

Capt. Alfred H. LEWIS was born in Perrington, N. Y., and came to Freedom with his parents.  He enlisted in 1861 in Co. D, 64th N. Y. Vols., was engaged in seventeen battles, and for meritorious service was promoted to sergeant, to lieutenant, and to captain, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg.  He married Jane, daughter of Sampson OWENS, who came from Wales in 1838; they have one daughter, Kittie (Mrs. Hugh W. DAVIS) of Salamanca.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, WILLIAMS

 

Griffith LEWIS, a native of Wales, came to America in 1844 and to Freedom in 1849.  He married Ann, daughter of Thomas WILLIAMS, of Remsen, Oneida county; children: Thomas P., Richard G. (proprietor of the hotel at Sandusky), John G., and William G.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  MERRILL, DAY, LOOMIS

 

Perry E. MERRILL, son of Smith and Melinda MERRILL, was born in Freedom, June 30, 1845, was educated in the common schools and in Rushford Academy, and in 1870 entered the office of W. A. DAY, of Franklinville, as a student of dentistry.  After learning the profession he entered into partnership with Mr. DAY, and in April, 1872, opened an office at Yorkshire Center, continuing there until 1873, when he came to Sandusky, but still continues the Yorkshire office.  In May, 1877, he opened a drug store.  Mr. MERRILL in 1878 was elected justice of the peace, and after serving nearly four years was appointed notary public.  He was appointed postmaster under President Harrison and is the present incumbent.  Jan. 10, 1877, he married Mary I., daughter of Sereno and Lucinda LOOMIS, of Arcade; children: Eugene L. and Floyd S.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  METCALF, SAWYER, IRISH

 

Rufus METCALF, a simultaneous settler with Earl SAWYER and Jonas C. IRISH in 1811, and whose brother Gregory located in the southeast part of the town in 1812, became somewhat famous during the Mormon meetings of 1835, for it was at his house that the leaders made at times their headquarters and early converted him and his family to Mormonism.  Mr. METCALF followed them to Ohio.  He was one of the first cheese manufacturers and his son Rufus was the first white child born in Freedom, his birth occurring Dec. 24, 1812.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  MORGAN, GRIFFITH, HOOPER

 

Evan MORGAN was born in Wales, where he married Margaret, daughter of Thomas GRIFFITH.  He came to America in 1830 with his wife and six children and settled in Oneida county.  In 1850 he removed to Freedom, where he engaged in farming.  Children: Thomas, John, Jane, Evan, Margaret, Joel, and Isaac.  Isaac married Martha, daughter of John HOOPER, and is a farmer.  Children: John, Richard, Thomas, Charles, and Albert.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  NORTON, HEATH, WOOD

 

Samuel NORTON came from Barnston, P. O., in 1838, and by trade was, a millwright.  He married Orphia HEATH; children:  Hiram, Harriet, Olive, Sally A., Amanda, Elon Alonzo, Melvina, Samuel, Clarissa, and Mary.  Elon Alonzo NORTON married Sarah, daughter of Elias WOOD, and they have two sons and two daughters.  The sons, Arthur M. and George C., are the proprietors of the NORTON lumber mills at Sandusky.  Arthur M. NORTON was born in Farmersville, where he resided until his parents returned to Freedom in 1856.  In April, 1865, he enlisted in Co. G, 81st N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 686

 

Surnames:  PEET, DAVIS, OWENS, LEONARD, GIBBS

 

John PEET, a native of England, came to America and located first in Oneida county.  In 1837 he moved with his family to Freedom and settled on the farm now owned by J. J. DAVIS.  He married Mary DAVIS.  Five children survive them both, viz,: Evan, George, William, David, and John.  John PEET was born in Oneida county March 24, 1833.  He is a farmer and has served several years as assessor of Freedom.  He married Sarah, daughter of Thomas W. OWENS; children: Martha (Mrs. Melvin LEONARD), Mary (Mrs. John L. GIBBS), Arthur O., John E., Eva S., and Fannie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 687

 

Surnames:  SAWYER, IRISH, METCALF

 

Col. Earl SAWYER, with Jonas C. IRISH and Rufus METCALF, became a settler in 1811, coming here from Vermont.  In 1822 he erected the first frame dwelling, was the first town clerk and an early Justice of the peace, and was one of the first to introduce improved farming implements.  In other ways he was first and foremost.  J. W. SAWYER was supervisor of Freedom in 1867.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 687

 

Surnames:  SHALLIES, CHENEY, VALLANCE, CARTER, JACKSON

 

Nelson SHALLIES, son of Joseph, came to Freedom from Woodstock, Vt., about 1840.  He was first a blacksmith here and then a farmer, and married Ellen CHENEY;  children: Emily (Mrs. J. VALLANCE), Elbert C., Edgar M., Ella (Mrs. A. CARTER), and J. Henry.  J. Henry SHALLIES was born near Freedom, was educated at Arcade and Ten Broeck Academies, and has followed civil engineering and school teaching.  He was elected in 1878 to the position of school commissioner for a term of three years and re-elected for another term in 1881, and was supervisor of Freedom in 1890 and 1891.  He married Libbie, daughter of William JACKSON;  children: L. Ethel and Eleanor B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 687

 

Surnames:  STRONG, JONES, LANE, CHAFFEE, SHATTUCK, HELLMAN, PHELPS

 

Ezra B. STRONG, a native of Vermont, came from Monroe county to Farmersville in 1832, settling on the farm now owned by Mrs. Bradford JONES.  He married Eleanor, daughter of Matthias LANE.  Eleven children were born to them, of whom eight are now living, viz.: William, Sally (widow of Henry CHAFFEE), Josephine (Mrs. Danforth SHATTUCK), Reuben, Joseph (captain in the 28th Iowa Inf.), Walter, Lucy (Mrs. HELLMAN), and Jacob L.  Jacob L. STRONG, born in Monroe county, came to Cattaraugus county in 1832, is a farmer, and married Phebe Louise, daughter of James PHELPS;  children: Osee James, William W., Eugene H., Jacob L., Phelps G., Ezra B., and Mary L., all of whom reside in Freedom.  Mr. STRONG and his six sons all vote in the same election district.  He has been a deacon of the Baptist church over 30 years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 687

 

Surnames:  WHITE, RUSHMORE, SMITH, PHELPS, CUNNINGHAM, RUNYON, HASKELL, CONROY, THOMPSETT

 

Francis WHITE, a descendant of Rev. John WHITE, who came from England to America in 1635 and settled in Cambridge, Mass., was born in Connecticut, came to the Mohawk valley and thence to Springville, N. Y., in 1809 and was one of the first school teachers in the county.  He also taught singing school and frequently took his pay in wheat.  In 1844 he moved to Yorkshire and engaged in farming, which he followed until his death in 1876.  He married Emma, daughter of Jacob RUSHMORE, of Springville; children: Roderick (at one time State senator), Justice, Francis, Jacob, and Isaac.  Isaac WHITE was born in Springville, was educated at Springville Academy and subsequently taught school, and about 1830 went to Scotland, Canada, to teach, being also engaged in the mercantile trade.  He married Anna, daughter of Chauncey SMITH, of Burford, Canada, and was a farmer at the breaking out of the Patriot war in 1836.  Taking sides with the Patriots he had to flee the country; the Tories made a vain attempt to capture him, but he escaped to Buffalo at night in a wagon secreted under some household goods which he saved.  He settled in Arcade and engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods.  In 1844 he removed to Yorkshire, where he died in 1887.  Children: Lucinda (Mrs. C. J. PHELPS), James, and Marana (Mrs. William CUNNINGHAM), who reside in Boston, Canada; Hiram M.; Chauncey J., of Arcade; and Elouise (Mrs. E. J. RUNYON), of Yorkshire.  Hiram M. WHITE, born July 4, 1845, was educated in the common schools, and in 1863 went to the Pennsylvania oil fields, where he worked five years.  He then came to Arcade, where he learned the tinner's trade, which he has since followed.  In 1890 he came to Sandusky and purchased the store of G. W. HASKELL.  He married Kate E. CONROY (deceased), who bore him one son, Charles F.  He married, second, Lottie B. THOMPSETT.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 688

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, LEWIS, HIGGINS, DAVIS, BENJAMIN, OWENS

 

William E. WILLIAMS, born in Wales, emigrated to America about 1833, and was a farmer at Trenton, Oneida county, until 1847, when he removed with his family to Freedom.  Mr. WILLIAMS married Margaret LEWIS and six children survive them: Laura (widow of John HIGGINS), Ann (Mrs. David D. DAVIS), Samuel W., William W., John W., and Ellen (Mrs. Romaine BENJAMIN).

 

John W. WILLIAMS was born in Trenton, N. Y., came to Freedom with his parents, and was engaged in farming until 1877.  In 1882, in company with H. H. OWENS, he purchased the store at Freedom, where Mr. WILLIAMS was appointed postmaster in 1883, being the present incumbent.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Freedom – Chapter XXIX (29)

Page 688

 

Surname:  WORTHINGTON

 

John WORTHINGTON, who settled in Freedom in 1818, had eight children, of whom Thaddeus, a farmer, was born in Waterloo, N. Y., was one of the first members of the M. E. church of Sandusky, and had ten children.  His son John, a native of Freedom, being born here June 9, 1834, has been most of his life a farmer and a prominent man in his community.

 

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TOWN OF GREAT VALLEY

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 695

 

Surnames:  BONSTEEL, SQUIRES, FORDICK, ROWLAND

 

Nicholas BONSTEEL, son of Philip, was born in Columbia, NY, Aug. 24, 1797.  His first wife was Polly SQUIRES, who bore him five children.  In 1829 he settled in East Otto and the next year married Angeline, daughter of Solomon FORDICK, of Boston, Erie county, by whom he had four children, of whom three are still living:  Edwin, Ursula D., and Morris T.  March 25, 1844, Mr. BONSTEEL removed to this town and settled where his children now reside.  Edwin BONSTEEL married Eliza A., daughter of John ROWLAND; children:  Arthur U., Ernest L., Orrin J., Dora L., and Anna B.  The BONSTEELs in America are descended from Nicholas BONSTEEL, who came from Germany to Kinderhook, N. Y., before the Revolutionary War.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 695

 

Surnames:  BROWN, SENTER

 

David M. BROWN, a native of Londonderry, N.H., was born March 10, 1793.  He removed thence with his family to Napoli in 1832 and erected a saw-mill the following year.  His wife was Polly SENTER;  children:  Lucinda, Sheldon P., Sarah, Mary, Lorane, Quincy A. and Andrew J.  In 1842, while on a visit to brothers on the coast of Maine, Mr. BROWN secured the carcass of a whale 48 ft in length, which he had prepared and transported on wagons and canal boats, exhibiting it throughout the country.  He finally sold it for $8000, and it is still exhibited as a curiosity.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Pages 695 & 696

 

Surnames:  CARVER, GIBSON

 

Solander CARVER was for many years a respected resident of Great Valley.  He was a son of Parley G. CARVER, who came to the town from Smyrna, N. Y. in 1832, settling on the farm where died three years later.  Solander CARVER acquired a modest competence by the slow process of accumulation of the surplus income from a small farm and dairy.  His word was as good as his bond.  He married Rebecca GIBSON, who survives him.  He died Feb. 14, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 696

 

Surnames:  CHASE, WALWORTH, COLWELL, ESTEY, McINTOSH

 

Nathaniel CHASE came from French Mills, N. Y. to Springville, Erie county, in 1812, and built the first grist-mill in that town.  He returned to Plattsburgh that year and removed to Great Valley in 1816, making the first settlement on the farm now owned by Walter WALWORTH, Sr.  Mr. CHASE was a millwright by trade and assisted in the erection of nearly all the early mills in the town.  His first wife bore him two children, Reuben and John. His second wife was Sophia COLWELL;  children:  Moses, Robert, Ira, Jacob, Martin, Lucend, Marinda, Naomi, and Eunice.

 

Robert CHASE was born in Vermont and served in the War of 1812, being present at the battle of Plattsburgh.  In 1818 he came to Great Valley, where in 1827 he was injured by a falling tree; he died in 1834.  Mr. CHASE married Sally ESTEY; children:  Harley, Julina, Lorenzo, Joseph and Susan.

 

Reuben CHASE, from Wayne county, came to Great Valley in 1827 and bought of Nathan Howe the farm now owned by Thomas Lounsbury.  He married Hannah ESTEY and had two sons, Lyman and Orrin.  Orrin CHASE came to this town in 1845, and with him came three sons – Alexander, Reuben, and Augustus – and one daughter, Clarissa; another son, James, was born in Great Valley.  Alexander CHASE married Mariette McINTOSH; children:  Orrin, John E., Ruloff, Adeline, Annie, and Clara.  John E. CHASE was supervisor of Great Valley in 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 696

 

Surnames:  CLEAVELAND, EDDY, LEARN, WALWORTH, BUTLER, DAGGERT, WHEELER

 

Brainard CLEAVELAND, son of Aaron and a native of Connecticut, came with his parents in 1825 to Wyoming county and thence the same year to Machias.  In 1833 he removed to Humphrey, and in 1865 came to Great Valley to reside with his son, Aaron.  He married Betsey EDDY;  children:  Andrew, Aaron, Alonzo, Joseph, Isaac, Mary A., and Mariette.  Aaron CLEAVELAND married Catharine, daughter of Joseph LEARN, of Humphrey; children:  Laura L. (Mrs. N. D. WALWORTH), Nettie A.(Mrs. Eli BUTLER), Mary C. (Mrs. P. J. DAGGERT).

 

Alonzo CLEAVELAND was born in the town of Machias.  He married Lydia, daughter of David WHEELER, one of the first settlers of Humphrey, and has had seven children, of whom three are living:  Brainard, Isaac, and Joseph A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 696

 

Surnames:  CRAMER, MORTON, HICKS

 

Frederick S. CRAMER, son of Sebastian, was born in Saxony, Germany, May 2, 1839.  His parents died while he was young and at the age of fifteen he came to America, settling in Tonawanda, where he was engaged as a clerk until 1869, when he removed to Great Valley and bought the store now owned by William MORTON.  Here he was in trade and had the post office for six years, when he began the avocation of farmer.  He married Margaret HICKS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 696

 

Surnames:  CULLINAN, KERNEY, CARR

 

Edward CULLINAN, born in County Clare, Ireland, came to America about 1840 and settled first in Elmira.  He subsequently removed to Pennsylvania and in 1856 located in Great Valley, where he cleared a farm on which he now lives.  By his wife, Ann KERNEY, also of County Clare, Ireland, he had eleven children, only one of whom survives.  Their son, Michael H. CULLINAN, married Sarah, daughter of John CARR, of Cattaraugus; children:  Mary, Margaret, and Teresa.  He served as supervisor of this town in 1877 and 1878.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Pages 696 & 697

 

Surnames:  FLINT, WILLOUGHBY, KELSEY, PARKER. FAY

 

Nicholas FLINT became a settler in Great Valley in 1828, coming from Cherry Valley, NY.  He married Phebe, daughter of Ebenezer WILLOUGHBY; children:  Weston, Orville, Agnes (Mrs. K. KELSEY), Esther (Mrs. Lewis J. PARKER), Sarah (Mrs. Adrian FAY), and Irving.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 697

 

Surnames:  FOLTS, HESS, MILLER

 

Henry FOLTS, son of Sylvanus, was born in Frankfort, N. Y. and came to Ashford in 1840, where he followed farming until 1855, when he removed to Great Valley and bought the farm where his family now resides.  He married Mary E. HESS; children:  Daniel H., William H., Marietta (Mrs. C. G. MILLER), and Georgianna.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 697

 

Surnames:  GREEN, SIMMONS

 

Judge Francis GREEN about 1812 removed from New Hampshire with his wife, seven sons and two daughters to Great Valley, and located on a large tract of land which (except the old homestead) was afterward apportioned to several of his children.  And a singular coincidence is that Judge GREEN, his wife, and all of his children except one daughter lived and died upon that tract of land, and are buried in the same cemetery located thereon.  The last survivor of the family was Benjamin, who died January 23, 1892, aged eighty-one years and four months.  Benjamin GREEN was for about thirty-five years a consistent member of the M. E. Church.  His wife, who survived him, was Harriet SIMMONS; children:  Joseph, John, Mary, and Demon.  James GREEN was supervisor of Great Valley in 1818 and 1819 and John served in that position in 1832.  The latter was also magistrate four years and postmaster at Great Valley nine years.  He died Sept. 4, 1874.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 697

 

Surnames:  HALLADAY, BENJAMIN

 

Reuben HALLADAY came from Black Creek, N. Y. to Humphrey in 1852, and removed to this town two or three years later.  He married Irena BENJAMIN and had eleven children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 697

 

Surnames:  HESS, FRANK, CLAPSADDLE, FOLTS, WALKER, BENSON, EDIC

 

George HESS was a son of Capt. Honyorst H. HESS, a captain of eight years in the war of the Revolution, and was born in Herkimer county Dec. 18, 1788, and served in the War of 1812.  He came to Ashford in 1841 and settled on the farm now owned by Andrew FRANK; he married Mary CLAPSADDLE; children:  Joseph, Mary E. (Mrs. Henry FOLTS), Nancy (Mrs. Jedediah WALKER), Michael E., and George W.  Elias W. HESS was drafted March 17, 1865 in Company I, 65th N. Y. Infantry, and was discharged June 28th following; George W. HESS enlisted from Ashford.  The family trace their ancestry back to John HESS of Hesse Castle, Germany, who came to America in 1710, settling in Palatine, N. Y.  His son Augusdenus, born in 1719, married Mary BENSON; children:  Christina, Honyost, Nicholas, Conrad, Henry, Daniel, and Eva.  Augusdenus was killed by Indians at Fort Herkimer in 1782.  Honyost was born Nov. 3, 1758, and married Catherine EDIC; children:  Nancy, George, Catharine, Elizabeth, Polly and Margaret.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 697

 

Surnames:  HICKS, McCURDY, BONSTEEL

 

Abel HICKS, born in Providence R. I., June 14, 1795, was for several years a captain on Lake Ontario and subsequently lived in Geneva, N. Y., where he married Jane McCURDY.  In 1825 he came to Lyndon, where he lived forty years.  He had eight children.  In April, 1865, he came to Great Valley and kept hotel for two years, retiring finally to a small farm, where he died Jan. 20, 1872.  His son Myron W. was born in Lyndon, Oct. 16, 1836, and came with his father to Great Valley in 1865.  He was for some time a merchant, postmaster, and supervisor, holding the latter office in 1872, 1873, 1875 and 1883.  His daughter Sophia is the wife of Ernest BONSTEEL.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Pages 697 & 698

 

Surnames:  HOWE, MUDGE, BATEMAN, NILES, HARRIS

 

Nathan HOWE, son of Capt. HOWE, was born in New Hampshire and came to Great Valley with his father when a small boy.  The family settled at Kill Buck.  Nathan married Nancy, daughter of Philip MUDGE, of this town, and about 1822 moved to Humphrey, where he was the first settler on what is now known as HOWE hill.  He had seven children, of whom four are living:  Mary (Mrs. Eli BATEMAN), Wilson, Cythia (Mrs. Alonzo NILES), and Emily (Mrs. F. J. HARRIS).  Mr. HOWE was a strong anti-slavery man and was active in the operations of the underground railroad.  Wilson N. HOWE was supervisor of Great Valley from 1879 to 1882 inclusive.

 

Malancthon J. HOWE, son of Joel, was born in Lyndon in 1848 and on Sept. 5, 1864 enlisted in Company B, 1st N. Y. Dragoons, serving until the close of the war.  He was taken prisoner near New Market by Mosby and was confined three and one-half months in Libby prison, his weight during this time being reduced from 160 to 80 pounds.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 698

 

Surnames:  LAWTON, ROY

 

Isaac LAWTON came to this town in 1827 and located on Great Valley creek on the farm now owned by Alexander ROY, where he built the second saw-mill in the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 698

 

Surnames:  LEGGETT, CULLEN

 

James LEGGETT, born in Dublin, Ireland, came to America in 1850, settling in Cattaraugus  county.  In 1866 he moved onto the farm he now occupies.  He married Sarah CULLEN; children: Lizzie G., Effie M., Nellie, James, and Frederick.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 698

 

Surnames:  MARVIN, DOTY, FRANK

 

Enoch MARVIN, son of James and native of Otsego county, came to Ellicottville in 1820, where he followed his trade of millwright.  He married Frances DOTY and had seven children.  A son, Ferdino, was a soldier in the Rebellion, is a carpenter, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob H. FRANK; she was the first white child born in Ashford.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 698

 

Surnames:  McNAMARA, CAREY

 

Patrick McNAMARA, son of Dennis, was born in County Clare, Ireland.  Coming to America in 1850 he settled in Great Valley, which has since been his home.  He married Mary CAREY;  children: Elizabeth L., John F., and Peter C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 698

 

Surnames:  MORTON, LINDSEY, SIMMONS, RAY, SCOTT, GREEN, WEAGER, STEVENS

 

Hugh MORTON, son of Hugh, was born in Scotland, married Jane LINDSEY, and had born to him eight children, of whom six grew to maturity, viz.:  Eliza, Hugh, Peter, John, Robert and Gaven.  His second wife was Sarah SIMMONS, who bore him twelve children.  Mr. MORTON came to America in 1839 and to Great Valley the following spring, settling at Peth.  Hugh MORTON married Maria RAY and has five children:  John, Eva, Frank, Hugh and James.

 

William MORTON, son of Hugh MORTON, was born in Killbride, Scotland in 1816.  At the age of twenty-one he moved to London, where for fifteen years he was engaged in mercantile business.  In 1854 he came to America and located in Great Valley on the farm he still occupies.  He married Margaret, daughter of John SCOTT, of Scotland, and to them have been born seven children, only three of whom are living:  William S. and Robert W., both merchants, and Mary M. (Mrs. Joseph GREEN).  William S. MORTON was born in 1858 and in 1884 he formed with his brother, Robert W., a partnership in the mercantile business.  He married Ella WEAGER, of Randolph, and has one son, Howard D.  Mr. MORTON was elected supervisor in 1891 and re-elected in 1892 and 1893.  Robert W. MORTON was born in 1860 and married Lana, daughter of Asa STEVENS;  children:  Gilbert A. and Lester L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 698

 

Surnames:  NOBLES, DEMMING, RYAN

 

Jonathan NOBLES was an early settler in Great Valley, and with him from Angelica, N. Y. came his son Spencer T., both of whom settled at Kill Buck.  Spencer T. married Betsey, daughter of Luther and Sally DEMMING; three of their five children are living:  Daniel, Stelbert E., and Nellie (Mrs. M. T. RYAN).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Pages 698 & 699

 

Surnames:  NORTON, BACON, WILLIAMS

 

Ira NORTON was born in Goshen, Conn.  His sketch appears in Hinsdale.  His son Andrew L. NORTON, born on the farm on which he now lives April 27, 1818, married Polly A. BACON and has six children.  He is now the only survivor of the early settlers living in that section.  He was postmaster for several years and in 1863 and 1864 was supervisor of this town.  Mrs. WILLIAMS, daughter of Ira, resides at Corydon, Pa.  E. D. NORTON, the youngest of Ira’s sons, born in Great Valley in 1825, is a resident of Yorkshire.  The first twenty-five years of his life were spent in Great Valley; he then removed to Bradford, Pa., where he lived fifteen years, where he was honored by his townsmen by important positions and was a member of the Board of Commissioners that, under a special act of the Legislature, issued the bonds of the town to pay soldiers’ bounties.  Afterward for four years he was a resident of Owatonna, Minn., where he served one term as member of the city council.  He returned to this county and settled in Yorkshire in 1877.

 

William W. NORTON was born at Great Valley in 1822.  Although reared on the farm, and having only the limited advantages for an education in those early days, at the age of thirty he commenced his preparation for the ministry in the Congregational Church.  His first charge was in Ashford, where he remained two years, when he removed to Otto and was pastor of that church ten years.  He went thence to New Richmond, Wis., and subsequently organized a church in Alexander, Minn., where he remained five years.  The last few years of his life he spent in Northfield, Minn.  Considering the educational advantages of those early days his ministry was remarkably successful.  Money was not plenty then and books were expensive, and in this family of  nine children one copy of the old English Reader went down through the whole line, and that book is now in the possession of E. D. NORTON, of Yorkshire.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 699

 

Surnames:  OSTRANDER, MANDEVILLE, NOXON

 

Horton A. OSTRANDER, son of John B., was born in Dryden, Tompkins county, Dec. 22, 1840.  Working in the saw-mill of his father until 1856 he then went to Lake Simcoe, where he followed lumbering until 1859, when he returned to Dryden.  From 1864 to 1871 his energies were spent in the pineries of Michigan; he then came to Kill Buck and took charge of the mill of which he is now proprietor.  Mr. OSTRANDER married, first, Jane MANDEVILLE, and, second, Mary R. NOXON, by each of whom he has a daughter, Bella and Edna.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 699

 

Surnames:  POTTER, McINTYRE, WILLIAMS

 

John POTTER, born in Gainesville, N. Y., April 1, 1815, came to the town of Otto in 1835, where he married Mary A. McINTYRE.  He was a farmer and a carpenter, and in 1842 removed to Great Valley, where he lived until 1844, when he went to Ellicottville, where for several years he ran a sash and door factory.  In 1861 he returned to this town, following since the carpenter’s trade and farming.  Mr. POTTER had an only child, Charles B., who enlisted May 13, 1861 in Company I, 37th  N. Y. Infantry Volunteers, going out as third sergeant and being promoted to second lieutenant.  This was the first company to leave Cattaraugus county for the war of the Rebellion.  Charles B. was assigned on September 13, 1862 to Company I; was made first lieutenant Dec. 2, 1862, and assigned to Company H; and after the battle of Chancellorsville was captain of Company K, holding the position until July 1, 1863, when he was mustered out.  Re-enlisting Feb. 16, 1865, he was commissioned captain of Company F, 194th N. Y. Infantry, and was again mustered out May 3, 1865.  He married Frances WILLIAMS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 699

 

Surnames:  RANDALL, PRINDLE, SEELEY, FRANK, RUST, WASHBURN

 

Jonas RANDALL was a native of Genessee Co. N. Y.  He subsequently resided in Concord, Erie county, and in 1840 thence came to East Otto.  He married Mary PRINDLE, who bore him two children, Leonard and Martha (Mrs. William SEELEY).  Leonard RANDALL was born in Batavia and came to Cattaraugus county with his father.  March 17, 1865, he enlisted in Co. K, 65th N. Y. Vols and served until the close of the war.  In 1866 purchased and moved to his present farm in Great Valley.  He married Julia, daughter of Jacob FRANK, of Ashford; children:  Ida (Mrs. Theron RUST), Eva (Mrs. Clarence WASHBURN), Cora (Mrs. Daniel WASHBURN), and Charles.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 700

 

Surnames:  ROHRICH, BROWN, EHMAN, DIETRICH

 

John G. ROHRICH is a son of John ROHRICH, of Ellicottville, and was born in Wurtemberg, Germany in 1841.  Emigrating to America in 1850 he located in Ellicottville in 1852, where he resided until 1885, spending, however, some ten years of that time on the lakes.  Mr. ROHRICH held several town offices and in 1880 constructed the first iron bridge in the town of Ellicottville.  In 1885 he came to Great Valley and purchased his present farm, being also engaged in lumbering.  He married Anna M., daughter of John G. BROWN, who came from Germany in 1852.  Children:  Ida (Mrs. John EHMAN), Charles, Emma (Mrs. Ernest DIETRICH), Carrie, and George

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 700

 

Surnames:  ROY, CLARK, ADAMS, RICKARDS, MORTON, BLODGETT, BARKER

 

Alexander ROY came from Scotland to Wyoming county in 1833 and thence to Humphrey in 1839, locating there on the farm now owned by Henry CLARK.  In 1858 he moved to Great Valley.  He married Celestia DENNIS; children:  Marion (Mrs. Augustus ADAMS), Jane (Mrs. Israel RICKARDS), Maria (Mrs. Hugh MORTON), Ellen (Mrs. Edwin BLODGETT), and Anna (Mrs. Jacob BARKER).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 700

 

Surnames:  RYAN, DUNLAY, NOBLES, CASE, SMITH

 

Michael T. RYAN was born in Bradford, Pa. on the 4th of Oct., 1858.  He is the son of James and Margrette (DUNLAY) RYAN, who moved into Hinsdale in 1859 and in 1871 removed to Great Valley, where they afterward resided, respected residents and esteemed citizens.  Mrs. RYAN died in April 1883.  On Feb. 25, 1889, Michael T. RYAN married Miss Nellie A. NOBLES.  He has been town clerk and was postmaster of Great Valley during Mr. Cleveland’s first term.  Feb. 22, 1883, in partnership with C. A. CASE as M. T. RYAN & Co., he succeeded H. J. SMITH in the general mercantile trade at the village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 700

 

Surnames:  SEARL, WOOD

 

Arza SEARL, son of Gideon (see Franklinville), was born in Whitehall, N. Y., and at the age of twenty-two came to Franklinville.  The next year, 1825, he removed to Great Valley, thus becoming one of the earliest settlers of the town, where he spent his life and died in 1884, aged eighty-three years.  His wife was Ann, a daughter of Stephen WOOD, by whom he had eight children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 700

 

Surnames:  SNOW, AVERY, DU BOIS, MANHART, SIBLEY

 

Caleb SNOW was one of the early settlers of Great Valley, coming to the town from his native State – Vermont – about 1830, and making the first settlement in what is now called Bear Hollow.  He married Polly AVERY; children:  Abigail, Lydia, Roxana, Hiram (drowned while young), and Levi.  The latter was born May 12, 1825, married Jane DU BOIS, of Humphrey, and was the first settler on the farm where Frank SNOW now resides, and where he died.  Children:  Frank, Kate (Mrs. F. MANHART), and Sarah (Mrs. Horace SIBLEY).  Frank SNOW, born Dec. 22, 1851, was elected supervisor each year from 1886 to 1890 inclusive, and has served as justice, etc.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 700

 

Surnames:  WILCOX, SARGEANT, CHAMBERLAIN, HINMAN, KEAN, RIDER

 

Seamour WILCOX came from Bath, N. Y. to Hinsdale in 1829.  Until 1836 he resided in various places, but in that year he came to Great Valley and settled on a farm.  He married Sally, daughter of Enoch SARGEANT, who bore him ten children, of whom these are living:  Emma (Mrs. William CHAMBERLAIN), Augustus, Isaiah C., Edwin, Mary (Mrs. Byron HINMAN), Melvin, and Melbourne.  All these sons served in the Civil War, also Hiram, who died there.

 

Melbourne WILCOX was born in Humphrey, Jan. 25, 1842 and soon afterward his parents moved their family to Great Valley.  Oct. 30, 1861 he enlisted in Company I, 6th N. Y. Cavalry and served three years.  At the battle of Gettysburg, Mr. WILCOX was wounded in the head by a mini-ball, fracturing the skull so seriously that five pieces of bone and about a spoonful of brains were extracted.  He married Amanda, daughter of Harvey KEAN;  children:  Leona A. (Mrs. John RIDER) and Albert M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Pages 700-711

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, STAUNTON

 

Mark WILLIAMS came from Chesterfield, Mass. to Ellicottville in 1829, and by occupation was a carpenter.  He married Polly STAUNTON, of Massachusetts.  Children:  Dexter, Samuel C., Royal, Frank, Almina, Theresa, Martha, Aurelia, and Mary.

 

Charles WILLIAMS came to Ellicottville from Chesterfield, Mass in 1832, bringing with him 6 sons and 2 daughters, viz.:  Charles, Spencer, Amasa, Lyman, Horace, Hiram, Eliza, and Sarah.  Another son, Burton, was born to him in Ellicottville.  Spencer WILLIAMS came to Great Valley in 1847 and purchased the saw mill owned by John. W. STAUNTON, near the north town line.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 701

 

Surnames:  WILLOUGHBY, GIBSON, CHURCH, WRIGHT, FLINT

 

Ebeneezer WILLOUGHBY, son of Rev. Ebeneezer WILLOUGHBY, of Kingsbury, N. Y., came to Great Valley in 1823 and purchased of Matthew GIBSON the farm now owned by Mark CHURCH.  He married Esther, daughter of Abraham WRIGHT, and had three children, of whom Phebe is the widow of Nicholas FLINT.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 701

 

Surnames:  WITHERELL, LOCKWOOD, CROSS, KNORR

 

George WITHERELL settled in Great Valley in 1835, coming from Java, N. Y..  In 1838 he removed to Ellicottville, but in 1840 he returned to this town, buying the farm now owned by C. B. Potter.  He married Mary E. LOCKWOOD and had born to him four children, only one of whom, George J. is living.  George J. WITHERELL came to Kill Buck in 1852 as clerk for J. W. Phelps.  In 1874 he engaged in mercantile business for himself.  He has been postmaster for eleven years and has held various other offices of trust.  Mr. WITHERELL married Margaret A., youngest daughter of John C. CROSS, an early settler of Otto.  Children:  Mary E. (Mrs. William KNORR), Giles H., George and M. Gertrude.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 701

 

Surnames:  WOOD, CAMPBELL, COLTON, HALL

 

James WOOD came to New Albion from Utica in 1851 and died there 3 years later.  He married Eunice CAMPBELL;  children:  James F., Wallace, Gilbert, Fidelia (Mrs. Reuben COLTON), Sarah, Mary J. (Mrs. Adelbert HALL), and one deceased.  James F. WOOD enlisted Sept. 11, 1861 in Company F, 64th N. Y. Infantry Volunteers, and served three years, being discharged Sept. 11, 1864.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Great Valley – Chapter XXX (30)

Page 701

 

Surnames:  WRIGHT, GUY

 

Abraham WRIGHT, son of Dea. Abraham, was born in Cambridge, N. Y., Dec. 20, 1778.  His wife was Lydia GUY, whom he married March 23, 1815, and their son John G. enlisted Sept. 3, 1864 in Company A, 188th N. Y. Volunteers, and was discharged July 11, 1865.  Another son, James, served in the 6th N. Y. Cavalry and died in Wellsville, NY, July 6, 1873.  Abraham WRIGHT came to Great Valley in 1819.  His brother, Col. Richard WRIGHT, came to Cattaraugus county about the same time and held several offices of responsibility.  He qualified as associate judge of the County Court on March 23, 1836, and was elected sheriff of Cattaraugus county in 1837; he was supervisor of Great Valley in 1830 and of Burton (now Allegany) in 1836.

 

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TOWN OF HINSDALE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 709 & 710

 

Surnames: BANDFIELD, MARSH, JONES, MURRAY, BOWEN, SESSIONS, DOUD

 

George D. BANDFIELD, of English descent and New England stock, was born in Caneadea, N. Y., in 1811.  His father died soon afterward and in 1813 his mother came to Hinsdale.  At the age of fourteen he was a raftsman and at sixteen was a river pilot, which he continued until 1867.  He bought a farm of 214 acres in Oil creek valley which he sold for oil purposes in 1865, and the ensuing year he purchased a farm of 128 acres on Olean creek, where he died in Feb., 1892.  He was interested in military and town affairs, was captain of militia, and was familiarly known as "Captain Den."  He was highway commissioner and assessor a long time and justice of the peace eight years.  He was a prominent Mason and was buried with Masonic honors.  About 1835 he married Orpha S. MARSH, who died in Jan., 1866.  He married, second, Harriet E. JONES.  Children: Orpha A. (Mrs. Charles D. MURRAY), George H., Nelson D., and Frances E. (Mrs. Calvin R. BOWEN).

 

George H. BANDFIELD was born May 18, 1841.  He graduated from Rushford Academy and taught common schools three terms.  In Aug., 1862, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served sixteen months on board the Vanderbilt, and visited Rio Janerio, Sidney in Australia, Cape Colony, and the West India Islands.  In 1864 he was transferred to the U. S. ship Brooklyn and served in the Gulf Squadron under Admiral Farragut.  He was also with Admiral Porter at the siege of Fort Fisher.  He engaged in the hardware and tin trade in 1866 and in 1867 was elected town clerk, holding the office six years, and represented Hinsdale as supervisor in 1873 and 1874.  In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace and has since held that position.  In 1866 he married Eleanor, daughter of David SESSIONS.  She died March 14, 1879.  Children: Ellen (Mrs. Orrin DOUD), Franc E., C. Dow, and Blanche B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 710

 

Surnames: BEERS, WITHEY, JOHNSON, OSMUN

 

John H. BEERS, son of Wakeman and Clarinda (WITHEY) BEERS, was born in Bolivar, N. Y., in 1860.  He was raised on his father's farm and was educated in the common schools and in Friendship Academy.  He came to Hinsdale with his parents in 1882 and settled on the farm in Pleasant valley he now owns.  His father died in Bolivar in 1888, where Mrs. BEERS resides.  Beginning in the fall of 1888 John H. had one year in the grocery trade and in conducting a meat market with D. E. JOHNSON.  Mr. BEERS is serving his second term on the Board of Education.  He is a contributor to the Methodist church and votes the Democratic ticket.  In March, 1887, he married Addie E., daughter of Lovinus and Minerva OSMUN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 710

 

Surnames: BENHAM, COLMAN, HORTWICK, ADAMS, PIXLEY, PARKER

 

Roswell BENHAM, a native of Vermont, was born Jan. 3, 1794, and died in Nov., 1871.  He came from Ohio to Haskel Flats in Hinsdale about 1830 and settled near where his son Alden now lives.  He reared eight children.  His wife was Lucinda COLMAN, whom he married Jan. 9, 1817.  His son Alden was born in Locke, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1820, married Lydia A. HORTWICK, and first settled in Ellisburgh, N. Y., where he was a farmer.  In 1835 he returned to the Haskel neighborhood.  About 1874 Mrs. BENHAM died.  Children: Josephine (Mrs. Albert ADAMS), Eunice (Mrs. Melvin PIXLEY), Lewis, and Ezra.  In Sept., 1886, Alden BENHAM married Mrs. Hannah A. PARKER.

 

Lucius BENHAM, son of Roswell, was born in Reading, N. Y., Nov. 4, 1831, and married Rosina PIXLEY, July 9, 1876, who was born in Farmersville, May 11, 1846.  Mr. BENHAM remained with his parents until their decease.  His children are Theda M., Edith O., Clayton L., and Nellie Pearl.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 710

 

Surnames:  BURTON, MIX, REYNOLDS

 

Varnum BURTON was born in Ulysses, N. Y., July 11, 1808.  His father, Isaiah BURTON, a native of Hopkinton, R. I., was a Revolutionary soldier.  Varnum married, in Dryden, N. Y., Sylvinia MIX, and first settled there as a farmer.  They came to Hinsdale, where he arrived with his wife and three children Feb. 9, 1841.  Since then he has been a farmer.  He has raised eight children.  George W., his oldest child, was born in Dryden, N. Y., June 14, 1833 and married Phebe REYNOLDS, July 6, 1854.  He is a farmer and mechanic.  Children: Eliza, George, Willis, James , Ella, Fred, and Bela.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 710 & 711

 

Surnames:  BURTON, MILLER

 

Franklin M. BURTON, a native of Hinsdale, born May 23, 1843, enlisted in March, 1864, in Co. D, 179th N. Y. Vols., and at Elmira was detailed for service in the general hospital, where he was engaged about thirteen months, and where he was disabled in his right hand by poison.  He is a pensioner.  In the fall of 1865 he married Mary, daughter of John MILLER.  Children: a daughter and a son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 711

 

Surnames:  CASEY, FOLEY, SKINNER

 

John T. CASEY, a native of Ireland, was born Feb. 7, 1835.  In 1849 he emigrated to America with his parents, four brothers, and two sisters, and settled on a farm near Oil creek in Hinsdale.  At the age of twenty-one he married Margaret FOLEY and became a section foreman on the Erie railroad.  He died Oct. 25, 1889.  He had a good education, was well versed in music, and was a fine violinist.  He was overseer of the poor three consecutive years.  Children: Josephine (Mrs. C. SKINNER), Nora E., Timothy, Mary J., Rev. John.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 711

 

Surnames:  CHERRYMAN, JENNER, HACKETT, MINER, OLDER, ROBESON, LEONARD

 

Rev. Reuben CHERRYMAN, son of William and Elizabeth (JENNER) CHERRYMAN, was born in Linfield, England, Aug. 31, 1814.  In 1824 his parents with their family emigrated to America in a sailing vessel, coming to Pittsford, N. Y.  Reuben remained with them until 1834, when he came to Ischua (then a part of Hinsdale) and settled on a farm of 100 acres on Yankee hill.  Dec. 13, 1834, he married Hannah M. HACKETT, who was born in Plymouth, N. Y., Dec. 6, 1811.  He was finally licensed to preach by the Baptist church of Hinsdale, and preached in the school houses and occasionally in barns in the surrounding neighborhoods.  He studied with Rev. Absalom MINER at Rushford about two years and was ordained an elder in the Cattaraugus Baptist Association at Rushford in 1841, of which he has been corresponding secretary nearly thirty years.  He has been pastor of the Baptist churches at Farmersville, Richburg, East Otto, and Scott's Corners, where he settled in 1862, and where he was first licensed to preach.  After a pastorate of sixteen years with this church he resigned and is now retired.  Children: Harriet E. (Mrs. Myron OLDER), Emerancy A. (Mrs. J. E. ROBESON), and Ann Augusta (Mrs. P. A. LEONARD).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 711

 

Surnames:  CONRAD, HAWLEY

 

John CONRAD, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Tompkins county to Dutch hill in Hinsdale about 1822 with his wife, seven sons, and four daughters.  He purchased 320 acres, which he subsequently sold, and settled on Haskel flats, where he died.  His second son, Daniel, born in 1804, married Mary HAWLEY and settled on 100 acres of the original 320.  He had eleven children.  He died in 1865 and his wife in 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 711

 

Surnames:  FARWELL, JACKSON

 

Abram M. FARWELL, born in Fitchburg, Mass., Nov. 28, 1780, married in Brookline, Lydia JACKSON in 1800, who was born Oct. 8, 1780.  In 1814 he came as a peddler to Hinsdale and articled 400 acres of pine timber land on Ischua creek north of Scott's Corners, where he built a log cabin, and then returned to Massachusetts.  In 1815 he came with his wife and eight children and his goods in two heavy wagons, and was accompanied by three millwrights.  He constructed a saw-mill, and his mill-pond eventually became a reservoir for the Genesee Valley canal.  Mr. FARWELL was first a Democrat and cast his first vote for Thomas Jefferson; he joined the Republican party and voted last for Lincoln.  He died Jan. 12, 1868.  Mrs. FARWELL survived him until Jan. 3, 1874.  Only four of their ten children are living; their six daughters were all teachers.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 711 & 712

 

Surnames:  FAY, SHAVER, PEAKE

 

Benjamin M. FAY came to Hinsdale in his childhood.  The family settled in the neighborhood known as FAY hollow.  Benjamin was an expert hunter, and was a farmer and a lumberman.  He married Phebe A. SHAVER (deceased) and had four children.  Their daughter Louisa married Spencer S. PEAKE, a farmer and milk dealer.  Children: E. Earle, Lua A., Lilla E., and Mearl B.

 

Mr. PEAKE enlisted in Co. K, 85th N. Y. Vols. in April, 1861, served three years, and re-enlisted as a veteran in the same regiment.  He was a prisoner twelve months, was wounded at the battle of Plymouth, N. C., and was promoted second lieutenant.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 712

 

Surnames:  GILE, CLARK, BROWNSON, LELAND, DAVIS, NEWVILLE, FAY, MAY, WOOD, BURLINGAME, LEARN, RAUB, ADAMS

 

Martin L. GILE came to Hinsdale from Groton, N. Y., in April, 1850, with his wife and seven children, settling where he now lives.  During his long life he has assisted in building five Methodist churches.  He has been three times married and the father of thirteen children; ten of them are Adaline (only child by his first marriage) married S. G. CLARK; Permelia C. (Mrs. Dr. Ira BROWNSON and now Mrs. W. O. LELAND); Martha (Mrs. George W. DAVIS), deceased; Adelia C. (Mrs. M. F. NEWVILLE); Almira C. (Mrs. S. A. FAY); Merritt A.; Caroline A. (Mrs. L. R. MAY), deceased; Clara P. (Mrs. S. M. WOOD); Orthello P. (married Mary BURLINGAME); William R. (only child of his present wife).

 

Merritt A. GILE was born in Groton, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1848, and came to Hinsdale with his parents in 1850.  He was educated in the common schools and reared a farmer.  In 1864 he enlisted in the U. S. navy, serving on the ship Undine at Paducah at the mouth of the Tennessee river.  Two weeks later they were attacked by Gen. Hood's army.  The commanding officer and several others were killed, and the vessel was captured, but the crew escaped by wading to the opposite shore and tramping 160 miles through the woods, rejoining their squadron at Mound City at the mouth of the Ohio river.  Mr. GILE was present at the evacuation of Mobile and was often under fire.  Since returning home he has been a farmer adjoining his father.  He is a staunch Republican and has served as assessor six consecutive years.  He was one of the organizers of the Union Free School of the village and is a member of the Board of Education.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist church, of which he is a trustee and the recording steward.  May 3, 1867, he married Viola M., daughter of Jeremiah and Lovina (LEARN) RAUB; children: Edith L. (Mrs. Alexander ADAMS), Catherine A., Fred M., Thenia M., and Vincent H.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 712

 

Surnames:  GOULD, SMITH, GAGE, SHERWIN

 

Jesse W. GOULD, born in Barton, Vt., June 25, 1797, married in Irasburgh, Vt., Sally SMITH, who was born there Aug. 12, 1794.  In 1825 they came to Hinsdale, settling on Ischua creek, where he owned a saw-mill and was also a farmer.  In 1839 he bought a farm in Franklinville on Ischua creek where Mrs. GOULD died April 14, 1846.  He died in Potter county, Pa., Dec. 22, 1859.  Only four of their ten children are living: Euphemia (Mrs. Horace GAGE), Abner, Horace, and James M.  The latter was born in Hinsdale in 1832, and has a farm on Olean creek.  Sept. 28, 1859, he married Sophia, daughter of Sylvester SHERWIN; children living: Lucy L., Emmett M., Leona E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 712 & 713

 

Surnames:  HANEY, CLAREY, GOULD

 

Moses HANEY, son of Archibald, a Revolutionary soldier, was a native of Berks county, Pa., was born in 1802 and married Laura CLAREY, a native of Leverette, Mass., who was born in 1801.  They first settled in Le Roy.  In 1839 they removed to Hinsdale and settled on Oil creek.  In 1840 they removed to the "Locks" near Scott's Corners.  Mr. HANEY was a mason and also conducted an ashery, where he manufactured potash and pearlash.  He carried the first mail from Olean to Jersey Shore, and was a week making the round trip on horseback; he made regular trips for over eleven years.  He was a farmer the last twenty-five years of his life.  He and Mrs. HANEY were members of the Presbyterian church of Cuba.  He was an old line Whig and later a Republican.  He died Feb. 5, 1882; she died Feb. 19, 1866.  Children: Amelia, born in 1836, married William W. GOULD, Sept. 14, 1862; William J., born Sept. 14, 1839, enlisted in 1861 in the 85th N. Y. Vols., served through the war, was captured at Plymouth, N. C., was incarcerated in Andersonville and Florence prisons, and is now a locomotive engineer; Stanley H., born in 1845, went to Kansas in 1868 and became division superintendent of the Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, and died in California in 1887; and a son who died in infancy.  Sept. 1, 1862, William M. GOULD enlisted in Co. I, 154th N., Y. Vols., leaving his bride a week after his marriage to go to the front.  Being disabled by exposure he was sent to the hospital, where he died Jan. 23, 1864.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 713

 

Surnames:  HEDDEN, JOHNSON, BROWN, WITTER, ROOD

 

Amos Lampson HEDDEN, son of Martin, was born in 1809.  His father was an early settler and a farmer near East Lansing, N. Y.  Amos L. married, in Tyrone, N. Y., Maria JOHNSON in 1832, and in the spring of 1833 he brought his bride to his home at Haskel Flats.  He had purchased 100 acres of woodland in Clarkson, Allegany county.  When he arrived he found that the "great tornado" had passed over his lot and swept down in a body three-quarters of his purchase.  The fallen timber dried, burned, and in three or four years he had good crops of grain.  In 1846 he had added lands adjoining in Hinsdale, on which he built what was known as the red house, where he spent the remainder of his life.  He served as justice of the peace about five years.  Both were members of the Baptist church.  He died on Nov. 5, 1868, and Mrs. HEDDEN on Sept. 20, 1881.  Children: Sarah J. (Mrs. James BROWN), died at Haskel Flats in April, 1879; John, born April 10, 1837, married Matilda WITTER, Dec. 21, 1858, who was born Feb. 25, 1838, and settled on the old homestead, and has four sons and four daughters: Almira (Mrs. Samuel ROOD); and William H. H.  John HEDDEN's daughters and oldest son are members of the Baptist church and he has been one of the deacons ten years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 713

 

Surnames:  HOSLEY, WALKER, SNYDER, ADAMS

 

Jefferson HOSLEY is a native of Massachusetts and was born April 12, 1817.  He married Electa WALKER in 1840 and in 1841 came from Friendship to Haskel Flats in Hinsdale, settling on the farm where they now live.  He purchased 100 acres at $3.50 per acre and has cleared 300 acres, planted orchards, and aided in building school houses and the church edifice in his neighborhood.  He has served his town as assessor and highway commissioner, and in politics is a Republican.  He is the senior deacon of the Baptist church of Haskel Flats.  Children: Cady R.; Henry C., born Oct. 24, 1845; and A. Warner, born in 1848, died at the age of twenty-six.

 

Cady R. HOSLEY, son of Jefferson, was born April 23, 1842.  He is an extensive farmer.  Feb. 19, 1863, he married Elizabeth J. SNYDER, who was born July 18, 1845.  Children: Philip Sheridan (a graduate of the Westbrook Commercial College), Luella M, (Mrs. Joel ADAMS), Edgar R., Mabel Electa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 713 & 714

 

Surnames:  JUDD, LEWIS, DIGGENS, JONES, CLARK, HATCH, FINLEY, ARMSTRONG, McDONALD, GOULD, WOOD

 

The JUDD family in America descends from Thomas JUDD, who came from England to Cambridge, Mass., in 1633 or 1634.  In 1636 he removed to Hartford, Conn., and about 1644 again removed to Farmington, where he was one of the eighty-four original proprietors of that township.  Thomas JUDD was one of the first two deputies who represented Farmington in the general court in May, 1647.  He was a deacon of the church and familiarly styled Deacon JUDD.  He had six sons and three daughters.  His fourth son, Benjamin JUDD, born about 1642, married Mary, daughter of Capt. William LEWIS, of Farmington.  He had three sons and five daughters, and died in 1689.  Jonathan, youngest son of Benjamin, baptized Sept. 22, 1688, married Hannah DIGGENS, Nov. 27, 1712, settled in East Middlebury in 1716, and died Aug. 28, 1725.  Jonathan JUDD's posterity are very numerous.  He had five sons and three daughters.  His youngest child, Daniel JUDD, was born Oct. 10, 1724, lived in Colchester, married Lydia JONES, March 14, 1751, and died Oct. 23, 1807.  He was twice married and had eight sons and two daughters.

 

Daniel JUDD, Jr., first son of Daniel JUDD, married Mehitable CLARK, Nov. 13, 1771, settled in Colchester, was in trade in Marlborough in 1783, and about 1800 removed to Pompey, N. Y., where he died in 1830.  He had four sons and five daughters.  Daniel Clark JUDD, first son of Daniel Jr., was born Oct. 18, 1772, married Debby HATCH, Sept. 9, 1796, who died June 19, 1816, and in Dec., 1816, married, second, widow Jerusha FINLEY.  After his first marriage he successively resided in Williamstown, Mass., Pompey, Bergen, and Middlebury, N.Y., and died with his son David in Warsaw, N.Y., in 1850 or 1851.  He had been a joiner, farmer, and surveyor and had seven sons and six daughters.  Daniel JUDD, fifth son of Daniel Clark JUDD, was born in Pompey, N. Y., Sept. 27, 1807, married Hannah A. ARMSTRONG, May 3, 1843, who was born in Lansing, Cayuga county, March 29, 1818, and settled at once in the village of Hinsdale.  Mr. JUDD was an energetic and enterprising business man. He was an extensive contractor in the construction of canals and railroads and also conducted a general mercantile business.  He was also an inventor and patentee of several machines, among them being a valuable excavator used by him and his son.  He died Oct. 1, 1877.  Mrs. JUDD survives and resides on the homestead, where she settled in 1843.  Children: Ellen M. (Mrs. Rev. D. F. McDONALD), deceased, Ethan Allen, and Charles. D.  Ethan Allen JUDD, born Oct. 25, 1843, was a merchant's clerk in Hinsdale and in Olean for twelve years, and since then he has been either foreman or contractor on public works.  Oct. 17, 1872, he married Neola P., daughter of John H. GOULD, of Hinsdale.  Charles D. JUDD, born Sept. 4, 1852, married Flora, daughter of Hon. S. N. WOOD, and is assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 714

 

Surnames:  LEARN, MOYER, RAUB, GREEN, HEAD, BABCOCK, KENYON

 

Jacob LEARN, of German descent, was born in Easton, Pa., Aug. 10, 1794.  He married Catharine MOYER and in March, 1824, came to Ischua and settled where Frank A. LEARN now resides.  He and his brother George bought on a single contract 320 acres which they divided into two equal parts.  This contract was given to the Holland Land Company, and when their successors attempted to force its collection it precipitated the famous Dutch Hill war.  Jacob LEARN died Feb. 24, 1884; Mrs. LEARN died five years earlier.  Children: two died in infancy; Thomas enlisted in the Union army and lost his right arm at the battle of Fair Oaks; Lovina (Mrs. Jeremy RAUB) died Dec. 27, 1891; John C. married Miss Keziah GREEN, lived on the homestead, and in Aug., 1884, removed to his present home; Peter is a dentist and farmer in South Dakota; Margaret (Mrs. Frederick HEAD); Jacob, Jr., served under Grant at the siege of Vicksburg and died on a transport of typhoid fever; Reuben is a dentist in San Francisco; Albertus married the daughter of George LEARN and died in Nov., 1890; and Morris enlisted in the Union army in 1864, and married Rosa BABCOCK and, second, Hattie KENYON.  John C. LEARN enlisted in 1864 in the 188th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged in June, 1865.  He was at Petersburg and before Richmond and saw General Lee surrender.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 714 & 715

 

Surnames:  LELAND, PIERCE

 

William O. LELAND, son of Asa, is a native of East Otto and was born May 4, 1827.  He was educated in the common schools and in Hinsdale Academy, and taught the district school at Haskel Flats one term.  In 1846 he began mercantile business, which he has continued with partners and alone to the present time.  About 1866 with his oldest son, he organized a private bank at Springville, which in 1884 they changed to a national bank with a capital of $50,000, of which Mr. LELAND and his sons now own the controlling interest, the name being the First National Bank of Springville.  The officers are W. O. LELAND, president; H. G. LELAND, vice-president; E. O. LELAND, cashier; F. D. LELAND, assistant cashier; and F. W. LELAND, teller.  Mr. LELAND served as a Republican representative of Hinsdale on the Board of Supervisors in 1858, was postmaster twenty-four years and deputy postmaster four years, and has served as a delegate at the district, county, congressional, and State conventions.  His children are four sons and Gertie A. (Mrs. M. E. PIERCE).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 715

 

Surnames:  LINDERMAN, WHITLOCK, HYDE, WINTERS, FRANTZ, KENT, BROOKS

 

Nicholas LINDERMAN was born in Tompkins county Nov. 22, 1803.  He married there, Jan. 6, 1831, Rebecca WHITLOCK, who was born May 11, 1807.  He built a log cabin on Buzzard's hill in Ischua, cut a road to it, and brought hither his bride.  He had a deed of 100 acres of land timbered with hardwood and valuable pine, which he converted into shingles, lumber, ashes, and black-salts, which he hauled to Buffalo.  He was a man of the old school style.  He died where he first settled aged eighty-three years; Mrs, LINDERMAN died March 10, 1849.  June 3, 1849, Mr. LINDERMAN married Mrs. Sally C. (HYDE) WINTERS, who died in 1888.  Of his eleven children five sons and three daughters are living.  Ezekiel LINDERMAN, born on the homestead Jan. 9, 1833, remained with his father until 1860.  April 3, 1860, he married Adaline FRANTZ and settled on his farm in the southwest part of Ischua.  He now resides in Pleasant valley on Olean creek in Hinsdale.  Mrs. LINDERMAN died in 1869.  Feb. 18, 1872, he married Gertrude KENT.  Children: Ella G. (Mrs. C. E. BROOKS), born Feb. 16, 1864, and Phebe Rose, born Dec. 1, 1878.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 715

 

Surnames:  MARSH, FOSMER, SMITH

 

The MARSH family in America are of Welsh descent and first settled in Massachusetts.  Nelson H. MARSH was born in Vermont.  In 1825 or 1826 he came with his sisters Orpha, Rosetta, Rhoda, and Susan to Hinsdale.  His sisters were all teachers.  He located a farm on Olean creek, and married Emily FOSMER, who is now the wife of Edward SMITH.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 715

 

Surnames:  MAY, ANDREWS, ALLEN

 

William MAY, a native of Massachusetts, married Rhoda ANDREWS in Homer, N. Y.  She was born in Hartford, Conn., Feb. 11, 1788.  In 1825, with six children, they settled on a farm of 139 acres on Dutch hill in Hinsdale, purchasing the interest of Jonathan ALLEN and receiving his deed from the Holland Land Company.  He made black-salts and pine shingles.  He died in May, 1840, and his wife in April, 1845.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 715 & 716

 

Surnames:  MILLER, UNDERWOOD, LINDERMAN, NORTON, MARSH, SMITH, WASSON

 

Abraham MILLER was born in Hamilton, Pa., Sept. 8, 1812.  In the spring of 1827 he came to Hinsdale with his brother, Peter MILLER, who had a wife and two children, and settled on Dutch hill.  The only road from Olean then was a path indicated by blazed trees.  Remaining with his brother until eighteen years of age he then began business for himself as a sawyer.  Sept. 28, 1842, he married Vesta A., daughter of Julius C. UNDERWOOD, a pioneer of Machias.  He was a farmer on Dutch hill about three years and then went to Pennsylvania as a sawyer.  Returning to Hinsdale in July, 1853, he settled in 1857 on a farm on Olean creek where E. LINDERMAN now lives.  He now resides in the village.  Children: Laurentine Y., Lorentus, Henry C. (died in 1875), Sarah H. (Mrs. Edgar NORTON), and Vesta (Mrs. N. H. MARSH).

 

Laurentine Y. MILLER was born in Hinsdale, Dec, 9,1843.  He married Evaline, daughter of Thornton and Charlotte (SMITH) WASSON, and in the fall of 1863 he enlisted in the U. S. navy at Brooklyn and served on board of several war vessels.  He participated in a number of engagements on the South Carolina coast, and was discharged Aug. 29, 1865, at Washington navy yard.  March 19, 1866, he left for the gold fields in Montana, going by the Nicaraugua route and reaching Walla Walla on the 14th of May, 1866.  On the summit of Bitter Root Mountain on June 18th he found the snow eight feet deep.  He finally reached Bear Gulch on July 15th, where he was a miner until November.  He then crossed the main divide of the Rocky Mountains alone, arriving at Confederate Gulch, where he was a gold miner five years.  In the fall of 1871 he returned to Hinsdale and was married in the winter ensuing.  March 29, 1872, he started west again and about April 4th was en route to the summit of the main range of the Rocky Mountains.  He arrived at Deer Lodge City on July 10th by again crossing the Rockies, and in August he went alone 200 miles to his old mining location at Confederate Gulch.  In the winter of 1874 he returned home again, and since then has made several trips through the west and northwest and spent two years more in the mines of Colorado.  Mr. MILLER is an efficient worker in the Republican party.  He is now serving his sixth consecutive year as supervisor of Hinsdale.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 716

 

The NORTON family belongs to the pioneer and prominent families of Cattaraugus County.  Early in the century (1807) Ira NORTON, a native of Goshen, Litchfield County, Conn., born Oct. 6, 1783, with his wife, Lucy (PERKINS) NORTON, and one child, emigrated to Franklinville.  This section was then known as the far west.  Mr. NORTON located on the east part of lot 21, township 4, range 4.

 

A few years later (1810) he became a resident of Great Valley and settled on lot 38, township 3, range 6, which contained 136 acres.  Here this noble pioneer devoted himself to the improvement of his land, not neglecting, however, the religious interests of his co-workers in the settlement.  He was a true scion of the New England NORTON’s, who were thoroughly imbued with religious zeal and fervor, and conspicuous as clergymen and church leaders.  The first meetings of what was afterward the Presbyterian church of Great Valley were held in Mr. NORTON's house, and here with others Deacon NORTON and his wife worshiped until a school house was built.  He was a firm anti-liquor advocate, and was the first person in Great Valley to dispense with liquor at raisings, which was done at the erection of his own house.

 

Mr. NORTON was a man of ability and integrity, which was soon recognized by the people, and he was elected to offices of trust, among them justice of the peace and supervisor. July 26, 1820, he was qualified as associate judge of the County Court. The duties of these official trusts were discharged with dignity and satisfaction.

 

After a long life of usefulness Judge NORTON died in 1866, aged eighty-three years, "full of years and full of honors." For a half-century his home had been in Great Valley, and the unbroken wilderness was now transformed into fruitful fields and pleasant homes. "He loved his God and the Old Flag, and lived to see it float over the whole of the United States."

 

Of his fourteen children, nine attained maturity. The NORTON homestead is now occupied by his oldest surviving son Andrews L. NORTON; another son, E. D. NORTON, is a resident of Delevan in Yorkshire.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 716 & 717

 

Hon. Nelson I. NORTON, third son of Ira and Lucy (PERKINS) NORTON, was born in Great Valley, March 31, 1820, on the NORTON homestead.  His boyhood was passed on the farm, aiding in its multifarious labors, and attending to his studies when opportunity offered.  He acquired more than an ordinary education, and became well versed in political and historical matters.  He taught common schools two winters, but preferring mercantile life he entered the store of MORRIS & HAWLEY at Hinsdale in 1841 as clerk.  In this relation he passed some years, then became the mercantile partner of Alonzo HAWLEY, and later conducted merchandising alone until 1851, when Mr. Hawley purchased the business.  Mr. NORTON then retired to his farm in Hinsdale (now the home of Mrs. NORTON), where he devoted himself to its management.  Here his death occurred Oct. 28, 1887, after forty years' residence in the town.

 

Mr. NORTON was an "old line Whig" until the formation of the Republican party, when he became an active member of that organization.  His influence was early and prominently felt in the civil and political circles of his town and county.  Possessing fine natural abilities, and being a ready, fluent, and gifted speaker, he was often "on the stump," where, aided by his popularity among the people, he did effective service.  He was chosen justice of the peace early and was a capable, impartial, and satisfactory magistrate for twenty years.  He was in positions of great responsibility during the Civil War.  Serving on the Board of Supervisors in 1860, 1865, 1866, and 1867, and representing his Assembly district in 1861, he was brought face to face with the problems connected with that historic period, and did good and patriotic service.  In 1872 he was chosen presidential elector and was called by the people of his congressional district to represent them in the Forty-fourth congress.  To this latter highly important office he did not seek a renomination, as his personal friend, Alonzo HAWLEY, desired it and was a candidate for the place.  In all these positions Mr. NORTON manifested a keen insight into men and their motives, a facility in discriminating the true from the false, and faithfully performed the high duties devolving upon him.  He united with the Congregational church at Great Valley in 1820 and held to its principles and tenets through life.  He made many friends and retained them by his genial personality.

 

Mr. NORTON married, Feb. 15, 1847, Mary E. PARKER, daughter of Elias and Dolly (FLETCHER) PARKER, of Arcade, Wyoming County.  Mr. PARKER and his wife were natives of Westford, Mass.  They resided in Cavendish, VT. near the Connecticut river, for some years, but came to Arcade in its early days, the journey with their own teams requiring three weeks' time.  They died in Arcade -- Mr. PARKER at the age of fifty-eight and Mrs. PARKER aged eighty-four.  Mary E. PARKER was born Jan. 23, 1820.  Children:

 

Ella L. NORTON (married Oscar L. DYER), who died in 1870, leaving one child, Belle DYER, who married O. F. WITTER, of Hinsdale, is a graduate of the Olean High School, once won a scholarship in Cornell University in a competitive examination, and has been a successful teacher.

Elbert N. NORTON (killed by a horse in 1870)

Herbert A. NORTON

Leonard R. NORTON (died in infancy)

Anna M. NORTON (married Franklin HESS) - has one child, Eastman HESS, and resides in Fort Fred Steele, Wyoming

William S. NORTON

James N. NORTON

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Nelson I. NORTON

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 717 & 718

 

Sunames:  NORTON, PARKER, McMILLAN, WAIT

 

William S. NORTON (son of Hon. Nelson I. NORTON and Mary E. PARKER) espoused newspaper work, shortly after attaining his majority in 1880, as local writer on the Olean Democrat.  He was next local news-gatherer and telegraph editor on the Olean Morning Herald and in 1884 took charge of the local department of the Olean Evening Times, remaining there until November, 1885.  In June, 1886, he assumed the conduct of the local department of the Olean Evening Herald and held that position until Sept., 1887.  The next winter he performed satisfactorily the arduous labors incumbent on the sole proof-reader of the Buffalo Evening and Sunday News.  In 1890 he, with D. McMILLAN, established the Olean Sunday Hatchet, of which he soon became sole proprietor until March, 1891, when he discontinued its publication to accept a responsible position on the Buffalo Currier.  He is now the head, in point of salary and term of service of the Courier's reportorial staff.  He married Nettie C. WAIT, has three children:

Zora L., Ralph R., and Iva NORTON.  He resides in Buffalo.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 718

 

Surnames:  NORTON, BARSE, WILLOVER, WOODS, FRENCH, FOSTER, GUTHRIE, BULLARD

 

James N. NORTON was born in Hinsdale, October 13, 1862.  He was educated at the common schools supplemented by attendance at Rochester Business University.  After graduating here in 1882 he became book-keeper for BARSE & WILLOVER at Great Valley.  On the death of Mr. BARSE in 1885 he became the partner of Mr. WILLOVER in the firm doing business as C. WILLOVER.  In 1887, in connection with Mr. WILLOVER and G. A. WOODS, Mr. NORTON formed the firm of C. WILLOVER & Co., as lumber dealers and manufacturers of lumber, at Morrison, Pa.  In 1889, Mr. WILLOVER retired and the Morrison Run Lumber Company, consisting of J. C. FRENCH, J. N. NORTON, and G. A. WOODS, was formed.  This company established a general store at Morrison in connection with their lumbering, which, on Mr. NORTON's retirement from the company a few months later, was purchased by him and A. E. FOSTER.  Jan. 1, 1892 Mr. NORTON purchased Mr. FOSTER's interest and now carries on three mercantile establishments in three different places -- Morrison, Dunkle, and Newtown -- in which he does an annual business of from $60,000 to $70,000.  The postoffice at Morrison was established in 1888 with Mr. NORTON as postmaster.  He still holds the position.  Mr. NORTON married, July 19, 1888, Clara BULLARD, daughter of A. B. BULLARD and Eliza GUTHRIE of Salamanca.  They have three children:  James R., Ellen B., and Neva NORTON

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 718

 

Surnames:  NORTON, FORT, MILLER

 

Bela NORTON, son of James, was born in Norway, N.Y., Oct. 21, 1797.  He was a farmer in Herkimer county until 1839, when he married there his second wife, Mrs. Mary FORT, Jan. 24, 1839, and with his family removed to Hinsdale and settled on the farm now owned by his son, Edgar NORTON, where he died Jan. 30, 1870.  Mr. NORTON was a man of fine natural abilities.  He was a Democrat in politics, was prominent in town affairs, and was supervisor in 1850, 1851, 1852, and 1853.  Of his ten children eight are living; all his six sons were Democrats.  Edgar NORTON, second son of the second marriage, was born on the homestead, which he still owns, May 19, 1845.  Nov. 29, 1871, he married Sarah H. MILLER, daughter of Abram MILLER.  Children:  Fred E. and Clarence H. NORTON

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 718

 

Surnames:  OSMUN, CARY

 

Aaron OSMUN was born in Lansing, N.Y., July 28, 1805.  He married Catherine CARY in 1821 and in 1830 they settled on Keller hill in Hinsdale, where he spent the remainder of his life.  He purchased his wood lot of 100 acres at $1.25 per acre, and eventually cleared 350 acres of land.  He died Jan. 15, 1889.  Mrs. OSMUN died in June, 1891.  One son, three daughters, twenty-seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive them.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages: 718 & 719

 

Surnames:  PUTNAM, WALTERS, SCOTT, LEARN

 

Peter PUTNAM, the first settler of the town of Hinsdale and a cousin of General PUTNAM, of Revolutionary fame, was born in 1776.  In 1804 he married Mary WALTERS in Almond, Allegany county.  In 1810 he went to Olean, where he made a raft and with his family aboard and his brother for a pilot started down the Allegheny, intending to sell his lumber in Cincinnati and settle there.  In that city his family were all ill with fever and ague.  With them he returned to Olean with a span of horses and a wagon loaded with his property.  Jan. 1, 1811, he settled in the woods where George SCOTT now lives.

His nearest neighbor on the south was at Olean and on the north at Franklinville.  He raised a log house with the help of the Indians, who had a camp near by.  He was a great hunter, was an industrious pioneer, planted the second orchard in Cattaraugus county, and raised the first frame barn in Hinsdale.  He died in Feb., 1844; Mrs. PUTNAM died Dec. 22, 1842.

 

John PUTNAM, oldest son of Peter, was born in the log cabin on the homestead Aug. 10, 1811, and is distinguished as the first white child born in Hinsdale. Jan. 1, 1839, he married Sarah A. LEARN, and Jan. 5, 1841, their son Joseph M. C. was born.  Mrs. PUTNAM died Jan. 15, 1841.  May 9, 1843, he married, second, Mary A. LEARN.  At his marriage Mr. PUTNAM settled on the homestead; in 1840 he rented that and settled on a farm in Humphrey.  His health failed in 1877 and they moved onto the home Mrs. PUTNAM had purchased at Scott's Corners, where they now reside.  Mr. PUTNAM was justice of the peace in Humphrey sixteen consecutive years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 719

 

Surnames:  SALISBURY, MORGAN, TODD, CUMMINGS, BROWN

 

Worden SALISBURY, son of Ambrose and Sylvinia (MORGAN) SALISBURY, was born in Scott, Cortland county, Dec. 12, 1830, and has always been a farmer.  About 1844 he came with his parents to Haskel Flats.  July 1, 1853, he married Sophia S. TODD, daughter of William G. and Azubah (CUMMINGS) TODD, and about 1860 they settled where they now reside.  They are members of the Methodist church.  Children:  Hugh S., Nettie Belle (married W. BROWN), and Guy W. SALISBURY

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 719

 

Surnames:  SMITH, YATES, WASSON, MILLER

 

Abner SMITH was born in Littleton, N.H., March 7, 1791.  His father served  through the Revolutionary War.  About 1816 he came from Irasburgh, Vt., to  the Holland purchase.  In 1820 he married, in Hinsdale, Lucina YATES.  He  became a lumberman and piloted his own rafts and others down the Allegheny.  He was also a farmer, and resided on a fine farm on Ischua creek and later  purchased another farm with a hotel in Ischua village and conducted both about twenty years.  Mrs. SMITH died in 1855.  He soon afterward went to Iowa and died at the home of his oldest son, Abner W. SMITH, March 7, 1873.  His  children all removed to western states except Charlotte M. (Mrs. Thornton WASSON).  Their daughter Evaline married L. Y. MILLER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 719

 

Surnames:  SNYDER, LEARN, BAKER, HOSLEY

 

Jacob SNYDER came to Haskel Flats from Lansing, N. Y., as early as 1832.  He married in Tompkins county Mary LEARN, whose grandparents were killed by the Indians at the Wyoming massacre.  They settled on the farm owned by Mr. BAKER.  Of his eight children four are living.  The youngest, Elizabeth J., is the wife of Cady R. HOSLEY.  Mr. SNYDER sold his farm and retired to Cuba, N. Y., where he died in Nov., 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page719

 

Surnames:  STORRS, BRADLEY, MAIN

 

Barzilla B., son of Nirum and Sylvia (BRADLEY) STORRS, was born in Franklinville, March 25, 1846.  He has made school teaching his vocation and has taught about twenty-seven terms.  He is now a merchant, teacher, and justice of the peace.  June 16, 1872, he married Ettie L. MAIN and has two children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 719

 

Surnames:  TODD, CUMMINGS, HOSLEY

 

William G. TODD, son of Daniel TODD, the first white child born in Homer, N. Y., was born in his father's native town and married there Azubah CUMMINGS, a native of Connecticut.  They were among the first pioneers of Friendship.  About 1843 he removed to Haskel Flats and settled on the farm where Cady HOSLEY now lives.  He drew the frame of this house and materials to cover it from Friendship.  He first built a small horse barn, and because he would not furnish whisky while raising it he spent two days in putting it up.  He was captain of militia, served as justice of the peace, and was a member and one of the founders of the Baptist church at Haskel Flats.  He died about 1854.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 719 & 720

 

Surnames:  TORREY, CURTIS, POWERS, CORBIN

 

Alfred C. TORREY, of sturdy New England origin, was born in East Java, Wyoming county, July 8, 1838.  His father, Rev. Timothy TORREY, was a native of Bethany, Vt., was a soldier in the War of 1812, and came with his father, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, to Wyoming county in his boyhood.  A. C. TORREY's mother's parents were natives of Connecticut.  She was a daughter of Daniel CURTIS, who also settled in Wyoming county.  Timothy TORREY was an itinerant Methodist preacher and traveled on a large circuit among the pioneer towns.  Alfred C. TORREY came to Hinsdale with his parents about 1850.  He began business for himself as a manufacturer and dealer in pine shingles.  Later be was a carpenter and builder.  He has also been engaged in the oil regions and for the past nine years he has been a merchant.  June 25, 1859, he married Susan POWERS; children: Ella J., A. Leroy, and Theresa (Mrs. Dr. A. K. CORBIN).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 720

 

Surnames:  WEBSTER, GIFFORD, FAY, BISHOP, CROSBY, QUIMBY, SMITH, MORIAN, OSGOOD, DAVIS, ROGERS, DENSMORE, PELTON

 

David WEBSTER, son of Isaac Webster, was born in 1783.  He served three months in the War of 1812 and his father was a soldier and pensioner of the Revolution.  David married in Dutchess county, about 1804, Hannah GIFFORD, and at once went to Fabius, N.Y., where he was a farmer until Dec., 1833, when he came to Hinsdale, settling on Olean creek, where he resided until his death in Nov., 1851.  Mrs. Webster died about 1848.  Of their thirteen children twelve attained mature years; four are living and only the youngest son, Hiram Webster, resides in Hinsdale.  He was born in Fabius, Feb. 7, 1827, succeeded his father on the homestead, and married, first, in January, 1850, Lucinda, daughter of Lewis FAY.  She died May 9, 1868, having borne one son, deceased, and a daughter, Addie L.  Jan. 18, 1872, he married Mrs. Miranda (BISHOP) CROSBY.  They have one daughter, Clara M.  Mrs. WEBSTER has a son, Emmett H. CROSBY,  by her first marriage.  He has served as assessor nine consecutive yars and votes with the Prohibitionists.  He is prominent in the M. E. Church, of which he, Mrs. Wester, and the oldest daughter are members.  He is one of its stewards and trustees.

 

R. Gifford WEBSTER, a native of Pompey, N.Y., was born Feb. 7, 1810.  He married Marinda QUIMBY in Fabius in 1832 and in 1834 removed to Fay Hollow in Hinsdale, where he cleared a farm of 106 acres, which was his home for more than half a century.  He died Jan. 28, 1892.  His widow survived him only ten weeks.  Eight of their ten children are living:  Henry, Marian ( Mrs. C. A. SMITH), Harriet (Mrs. MORIAN), Henrietta (Mrs. OSGOOD), Jennie C. (Mrs. DAVIS), Marcella (Mrs. ROGERS), Ann M. (Mrs. DENSMORE), and Bela.  Bela WEBSTER has a farm adjoining the homestead.  Sept. 11, 1872, he married Emma  PELTON.  Children:  De Witt D., born June 4, 1874, and Cora May, born April 18, 1878.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages: 720-721

 

Surnames:  WILLOVER, FROST, PHELPS, FAIR, CANFIELD, WARD

 

John WILLOVER was a native of New Jersey and descended from sturdy Holland ancestry.  He was born in Essex county, N.J. in 1806.  His father settled on lease lands, where he accumulated a little property, and emigrated thence to Tyrone, N.Y., when John was a lad of seven years.  There he cleared a farm and died.  John WILLOVER married, in Tyrone, Miss Esther FROST about 1829.  In 1831 he settled at Haskel Flats in Hinsdale, and very soon after built a sawmill on Haskel creek, the first in the neighborhood.  Later he purchased another farther down the stream built by Oliver PHELPS, and conducted both some years.  The valley was covered with a fine growth of pine trees and he became an extensive manufacturer of pine lumber and shingles, which he rafted to market down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.  Besides his lumber business he cleared three good farms.  He came to the wilderness without means except a yoke of oxen, which drew his family and goods from Tyrone.  But he had energy, courage, perseverance, and industry.  In his business life he gave employment to a host of men and was the means of helping the industrious poor to help themselves.  He purchased timber land, reserved the pine timber, and sold the soil to those who wanted homes.  Mr. WILLOVER was the prominent person in his neighborhood--a man of sterling integrity and high character.  He was a Whig in politics and joined the ranks of the Republican party at its formation.  He was the first supervisor of his party in town, in 1856, and was re-elected in 1857.  He died Jan. 17, 1873.  Mrs. WILLOVER died March 5, 1888.  Children:

Christopher WILLOVER

Hetty A. WILLOVER (Mrs. FAIR) of Oil City, Pa.

Hannah E. WILLOVER (Mrs. CANFIELD), of Ohio

Julia E. WILLOVER (Mrs. WARD), of Allegany, N.Y.

Luc M. WILLOVER, who died at the age of sixteen years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 721

 

Surnames:  WILLOVER, COON, NORTON, SMITH, DURFEE, REYNOLDS

 

Abram WILLOVER, brother of John, was born in Tyrone, N.Y. about 1804, married  there Miss Emeline COON, and came to Haskel Flats about 1832.  He was a  natural mechanic and could turn his hand to any job of woodwork.  He was a  first-class carpenter and joiner and a good millwright.  In 1839 he settled  on the woodland farm on which his son Abram now lives, and there had the  double occupation of house building and farming.  He cleared up his farm,  planted an orchard, and died in 1852.  Mr. WILLOVER was a genial and  agreeable companion who could give and take a joke.  He was a very good  neighbor and quite popular with the people, and served as constable several  years.  Mrs. WILLOVER remained his widow and survived until July 17, 1891,  aged eighty-two.  Children:  Julia (Mrs. James B. NORTON), of Salamanca;  Halsey, a farmer in Ischua; Martin V., who enlisted in Co. K, 85th N.Y.  Vols., was captured at Plymouth, N.C., was confined in Andersonville prison,  and died in Florence; Annie (Mrs. William SMITH), deceased; William, a  soldier in the 154th N.Y. Vols. who marched with Sherman to the sea and was  discharged at the close of the war; John, a soldier in the 154th N.Y. Vols.  and a prisoner three months in Belle Isle; Elizabeth, who died at the age of  seventeen; Eveline (Mrs. George DURFEE), of Portville; and Abram.  Abram WILLOVER has served as constable, has been engaged in the oil regions of  Bradford, Pa., and married Miss Anna REYNOLDS.  He purchased the homestead of  the heirs, and administered to the comfort of his aged mother the last eight  years of her life.  Upon this old farm he still resides.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 721-722

 

Surnames:  WILLOVER, BARSE, QUIN, OSMUN, HEDDEN, FULLER

 

Christopher WILLOVER, oldest son of John WILLOVER, was born at Haskel Flats,  April 8, 1832.  He was educated in the common schools and in Grand River  Institute, a branch of Oberlin College, in Austinburgh, Ohio.  He began his  business life as the financial manager in taking a raft of lumber down the  river and at the same time worked as a raftsman.  He spent the next three  years as tallyman and measurer of lumber.  In 1858 he began the business of  buying lumber on commission, which he followed until 1865, when he became a  buyer on his own account and has since been a heavy dealer and many times a  bold speculator.  He was the partner of the late C. V. B. BARSE, of Olean in the lumber business from 1864 until the latter's death.  Mr. WILLOVER is a  man of more than ordinary business ability, is an able financier, and has the energy to accomplish whatever he attempts.  In his long course in business he  has sustained heavy losses, but mainly because he is generous to a fault. His disinterested benevolence has led him to entangle himself in the business  of his friends and has obliged him to pay their debts.  In his own ventures  he has planned well.  His real estate embraces more than a thousand acres.  He has a fertile farm at Haskel Flats, where he has a beautiful home.  Hi is  popular, gives his aid and influence to forward every good object, and has lately contributed the larger half towards the erection of the elegant Union church of his neighborhood.

 

Mr. WILLOVER was elected a justice of the peace in 1856 and served a term of four years.  He represented Hinsdale on the Board of Supervisors in 1870, 1872, and 1881.  Jan. 4, 1860, he married Miss Mary T. QUIN, who was born in  Newport, Chemung County, Sept. 11, 1834.  Children:  Winnifred S. born July  27, 1861, married Dana OSMUN, a farmer of Haskel Flats; John H., born July  15, 1863, died in infancy; Frank E., born Aug. 13, 1865, married Myra HEDDEN, and is a farmer on the homestead; Lucy A., born Oct. 14, 1869, married  Charles H. FULLER, a farmer on Keller Hill; and John C., born Oct. 7, 1870, a member of the firm of Phelps, Sibley & Co., of Cuba, N.Y.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Christopher WILLOVER

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Pages 722 & 723

 

Surnames:  WOOD, MARSH, GOULD, FORT, NORTON, LELAND, NELSON, JUDD

 

Emery WOOD, son of Wheelock WOOD, was born in Gainesville, N. Y., Nov. 13, 1797.  He was raised on a farm and attended the primitive common school four weeks, but by improving his leisure moments he became an expert mathematician, grammarian, and historian.  At the age of fifteen he enlisted as a fifer in the War of 1812 and served three months.  In the summer of 1813 he again entered the "tented field" as a substitute and in July ensuing was made a prisoner at Black Rock and sent to Halifax, where he was confined until June, 1814.  In Sept., 1814, he joined the American army and was captured at the battle of Fort Erie and carried to Quebec, where he remained a prisoner till the war closed.  In 1817 Mr. WOOD came to Hinsdale.  He was very soon engaged in the lumber trade, and acquired a large territory of pine timbered lands, including more than half of the grounds now occupied by the village.  In 1825 he opened the first store in Hinsdale and was the first postmaster of the town.  He conducted an exchange or barter trade.  At the time he opened his store and the first postoffice he held the offices of town clerk, justice of the peace, overseer of the poor, and colonel of the 226th Regiment militia.  In 1829, 1830, 1831, and 1832 he represented his town on the Board of Supervisors.  Colonel WOOD's marked ability and public spirit were shown in forwarding every good enterprise, and especially in the educational interests of Hinsdale.  He was a leader in founding the Hinsdale Academy, for which he donated the site, and generously patronized it in educating all his family.  Sept. 16, 1819, he married Permelia, daughter of Royal and Rhoda MARSH, who was born in Vermont, Dec. 12, 1796.  Colonel WOOD died Feb. 24, 1875, and Mrs. WOOD Nov. 18, 1872.  Children: Frederick M., born June 19, 1820, died June 3, 1861; Hon. William H. (see page 334); Permelia M., born Feb. 12, 1824, married John H. GOULD, and died Dec. 6, 1862; Lewis, born Sept. 19, 1826, accidentally drowned Oct. 7, 1828; Emery L., born Sept. 1, 1830, drowned July 16, 1837; Hon. Staley N., born May 22, 1832; Evelyn R., born July 2, 1834; and Hon. Wales W., born April 25, 1837, now serving his second term as county judge in Illinois.

 

Hon. Staley N. WOOD received his education in Hinsdale Academy.  He was clerk for E. M. & T. T. Wasson at the age of fourteen, and clerked also for his father and brother and for the late Judge Martin, of Olean, until 1852 or 1853, when he became a partner in general merchandise trade with his brother Frederick in Hinsdale.  In the fall of 1857 he was a salesman for A. & F. Reed in New York; in 1872 he was a partner with F. & L. B. Reed, their successors.  All this time except two years he was a citizen of Hinsdale.  During the late war he was a war Democrat, and Governor Fenton, as a compliment for his patriotism, sent him a captain's commission.  Mr. WOOD represented Hinsdale on the Board of Supervisors in 1868, 1869, 1877, 1878, 1879, and 1880.  He ran for elector of General Hancock in 1868 and in 1866 for congressman of his district.  In 1861, in 1875, and again a third time he was the nominee of his party for member of Assembly and at each election he greatly reduced the majority of his Republican opponent.  He was also nominated for the office of treasurer of Cattaraugus county.  April 19, 1883, Governor Cleveland tendered him the position of State assessor, which he resigned in March, 1892.  June 2, 1853, he married Laura A., daughter of widow Mary FORT, now the widow of the late Bela NORTON.  Children: Mary P. (Mrs. F. D. LELAND), George F., Ellen J. (Mrs. A. T. NELSON), Flora V. (Mrs. C. D. JUDD), and Lewis B.  Frederick WOOD was supervisor of Hinsdale in 1854 and 1855.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Hinsdale – Chapter XXXI (31)

Page 723

 

Surnames:  YATES, HULL, COATS, MITCHELL, WRIGHT, CONRAD, GOODRICH, HOGG

 

Emery YATES, a native of Woodstock, VT., came to Hinsdale from Gainesville,  N.Y. about 1813 and settled at Scott's Corners where E. A. Hull now lives.   He erected a saw-mill on Oil creek on the site of the Tousley mill.  He later  established a boat-yard on Oil creek a little below his saw-mill at Scott's  Corners, and there built flat-boats.  He was also an expert in constructing  mill dams.  He died at Scott's Corners.

 

Emery W. YATES, oldest son of Emery YATES, was born at Scott's Corners, Nov.  20, 1815.  He began the trade of carpenter and joiner at the age of sixteen  and followed that avocation until approaching old age.  He has never had a  home outside of his native town.  He cast his first presidential ballot for William H. Harrison and has never missed a vote at a general election.  He  married Polly COATS, Dec. 14, 1836, who died Nov. 22, 1891.  Of their five  children two sons are living: Theodore H., a veteran of the late war, and  Edgar N.  Warren C. enlisted in 1861 and died in Andersonville prison.

 

Lorenzo YATES, son of the pioneer Emery, was born at Scott's Corners, Dec. 23, 1819.  He learned the trades of carpenter, joiner, and millwright, which he followed until 1854, when he engaged with S. Augustus Mitchell, of Philadelphia, the celebrated map publisher, and was his general agent six years.  He was then general agent for four years for several publishers, and since 1864 has led a retired life.  Aug. 18, 1846, he married Abigail, daughter of John E. WRIGHT.  She was born in Richfield, N.Y., July 6, 1823.  Five of their seven children grew to maturity:  Lucy (Mrs. Henry J. CONRAD), Carlton E., Julia (Mrs. M. L. GOODRICH), Allen, and Eva E. (Mrs. G. E. HOGG).

 

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TOWN of HUMPHREY

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 733

 

Surnames:  BAILEY, DRAKE, STEVENS, PETRIE, CARD, TURNER

 

Levi D. BAILEY is the grandson of Daniel BAILEY, who was born in England, came to America, settled in New Jersey, served in the War of 1812, and died aged 110 years.  His son Levi E., born in New Jersey in 1809, came to Wayne county, where he married Elizabeth DRAKE, who was a descendant in the eleventh generation from William of Orange, and settled in Exeter, Pa., where Levi D. was born in 1833.  Levi E. afterward lived in Steuben county, N. Y., over forty years and died in Bradford, Pa., in 1889 and his wife in 1891.  At the age of sixteen Levi D. shipped from New Bedford on a three years' whaling voyage, visiting California on his way home.  In 1853 he married Celia A. STEVENS and settled in Tioga county, Pa., coming in 1857 to Carrolton, where he was a lumberman.  In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was in the battle of Fredericksburg, was disabled from further service from spinal disease, and was discharged in 1863.  Mrs. BAILEY went with her husband and served as a volunteer nurse in camp and on the battlefield.  She had a tent after the battle of Fredericksburg known as Mrs. BAILEY's tent, for which she neither asked nor received pay.  Children: Armenia (Mrs. Levi PETRIE), Ida M. (Mrs. Fred CARD), George L. (married Harriet TURNER) – children: Carrie M. and Lennie), and James A. (died young).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 733 & 734

 

Surnames:  BARKER, PERSONS, JANS, VAUGHN, LEWIS, SHEPARD, SMITH, BERRY, QUIRK

 

Marshall BARKER is the son of Thomas and the grandson of Phineas BARKER, of French descent, who lived in Orwell, Vt., and married Amy PERSONS, of Dutch ancestry and a descendant from Anneke JANS of Trinity church property notoriety.  Their son Thomas, born in Orwell in 1797, came to Humphrey in 1819.  He was a shoemaker and brought a sack of boots and shoes and his kit of tools on his back, and bought land and settled in the west part of the town.  He married Phebe, daughter of John VAUGHN, of Washington county.  Children: Edwin (died when four years old), Cordelia, Jane, Augusta, Mary, and Marshall.  The latter was born April 17, 1838, was raised a farmer, and after the common schools attended Randolph Academy and Alfred Seminary.  His father died in 1855.  He remained on the farm and in 1859 married Ellen E., daughter of Thomas B. and Lucinda (LEWIS) SHEPARD.  Children: Ada M. (Mrs. Edwin SMITH), whose children are Lee, Glen, Coilah, and Grace; Neolah, died aged nineteen; Frank W., now telegraph operator at Four Mile station who married Anna, daughter of Milo BERRY, and has one child, Musette; and Jennieve (Mrs. Patrick QUIRK), whose children are Ellen G. and Frances G.  Mr. BARKER traded the farm for his present home at Chapellsburg in 1865, in which he opened a store and was a merchant seven years and postmaster eleven years.  In the meantime, being a natural worker in wood or iron, he became a millwright, wagonmaker, and blacksmith, and opened shops which he still operates.  He also studied surveying, and in 1870 began its practice and still continues it.  To aid a natural love for investigation he has one of the best collections of scientific works in the county.  He was elected supervisor on the Republican ticket in 1875, since which he has acted with Greenback organizations.  His religious views are with the Universalist faith.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 734

 

Surnames:  BERRY, CHAPELL, LEONARD, COLE, STAFFORD, CONSETT, SWEET, DEVINE, BARKER, PIERCE

 

Milo BERRY is the son of Alonzo and the grandson of Jonathan BERRY, of Franklin county, who came from Vermont.  Alonzo moved to Leicester, N. Y., about 1815, where Milo was born in 1830 and came with his parents to Humphrey when two years old.  Alonzo was a cooper by trade and made soon after coming here 100 pine sap buckets for Russell CHAPELL, who had a large sugarbush in Sugartown.  This job brought him $20 in cash.  Mr. BERRY married Anis LEONARD; children: Joel, who died in White Pigeon, Mich., in 1857, Elmira, who died aged eighteen; Lemira, who married Stephen S. COLE and died in 1885; Alonzo, of Buffalo; Edwin, of Minnesota; and Milo.  Milo learned his father's trade and had a shop at Humphrey Center.  He married Catharine STAFFORD, of Ellicottville; children: Ursula V., Frank T., Myron (married Mary CONSETT, of Franklinville, who died in 1889, leaving two children, Frank and Earl), Addie (married Greeley SWEET, who died, and she married, second, James DEVINE), Anna (Mrs. Frank BARKER), Judson, and Ella.  Milo BERRY, always a Republican, was first elected justice of the peace in 1860 and has held the office ever since, except in 1880.  He has been town clerk four years, in 1881 and 1882 was justice of sessions, and was postmaster at Humphrey Center during Harrison's administration.

 

Frank T. BERRY, son of Milo, was born in Humphrey, July 4, 1853.  When a young man he learned the trade of tool-dresser, at which he worked seven years in Bradford, Pa., going there in 1875.  Jan. 1, 1882, he married Laura, daughter of Harvey A. PIERCE, of Humphrey; children: Beulah and Hazel.  When twenty-one years old he held the office of constable which then paid $130 a year.  He was elected supervisor in 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 734 & 735

 

Surnames:  BOZARD, LEARN, NEWELL, BARBER, PIERCE, WINTERS, BUTLER

 

Andrew J. BOZARD is the son of Richard and the grandson of Christopher BOZARD who came with his brother John from Pennsylvania and settled in Humphrey about 1831.  These two pioneer settlers were of Scotch-Irish descent and the eminence on which they located is still known as BOZARD hill.  Richard married Eleanor LEARN; children: Henry M., Andrew J., Cyrus P., Barnard S. (died in Chicago), Ashbel L., Rebecca (Mrs. Harrison NEWELL), Joseph, Laura (Mrs. Eliab BARBER), and Judson O.  Andrew J. was born in Humphrey in 1832 and married, in 1861, Mrs. Sarah E. PIERCE, daughter of Alphonso WINTERS, who had two children, George and Kelley, by her first husband.  They have had one son, Alphonso.  All three are dead, the latter two dying in 1864.  Mr. BOZARD's farm of 150 acres comprises a part of the original homestead.  He is a Republican and has served a term as assessor.

 

Truman C. BOZARD, eldest child of Cyrus P. and Julia (PIERCE) BOZARD, was born in Humphrey in 1862 and was raised a farmer.  In 1889 he opened a store at Chapellsburg and was appointed postmaster May 15, 1891, serving now his fifth year.  In 1890 and 1891 he was elected town clerk, and during the latter year built the store he now occupies.  July 4, 1882, he married Eva L., daughter of William BUTLER, of Humphrey.  Children: Rose E., Grace B., Ruley M., and Floyd C.  Cyrus P., son of Richard and grandson of Christopher BOZARD, was born in Humphrey in 1835.  He is a farmer, but has been a contractor and builder, merchant, and postmaster in Humphrey.  In 1861 he married Julia, daughter of Lyartus PIERCE.  Children: Truman C., Eddie H., and Blanche C.  Mr. BOZARD has been elected on the Republican ticket five times as town clerk and is now serving his second term as justice.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 735

 

Surnames:  BUTLER, SPINK, BEEBE, WHEELER, DEVINE

 

Seneca H. BUTLER is the grandson of Patrick BUTLER, of Fairport, N. Y., whose son Patrick came to East Otto and married Maria SPINK; children: Franklin, who was drowned while young; Louisa (Mrs. Charles H. BEEBE), of Humphrey Center, children Emma, Madalla, and William F.; and Seneca H., who was born in East Otto in 1848, became a farmer and grain thresher, and married Rachel, daughter of David WHEELER, of Humphrey.  They have one child, Jennie. Patrick BUTLER died in 1852.  Besides farming Mr. BUTLER owns and runs the only cider-mill in town, has owned and run the store where James DEVINE is, and for the past two years has kept a stock of merchandise in his dwelling house at Humphrey Center.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 735

 

Surnames:  CHAMBERLAIN, BURDICK, HINMAN

 

George W. CHAMBERLAIN is the son of Harrison CHAMBERLAIN, who came to Great Valley from Ohio about 1830 and was a nephew of judge Benjamin CHAMBERLAIN.  Harrison was a superintendent of railroad construction on the Erie and other roads and now lives in Bradford, Pa.  He married Barbara C., daughter of Abel BURDICK, a merchant and lumber dealer of Olean.  They had two sons: George W. and Benjamin A.  Mrs. CHAMBERLAIN died in 1886.  George W. was born in Great Valley in 1851 and learned the blacksmith's trade, opening a shop in Randolph in 1871, then running shops in Salamanca and Great Valley, and since 1887 at Humphrey Center.  In 1874 he married Hannah L., daughter of John B. HINMAN, of Humphrey.  Children: Franklin D., Lloyd, Paris P. and Pearl H. (twins), and Goldie M. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN has a great taste for reading, an active mind, and a vivid imagination that often finds expression in poetry.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 735

 

Surnames:  CHAPMAN, SHERMAN, MEACHUM, SHERWOOD, OAKS

 

Henry A. CHAPMAN is the grandson of Noah and the son of Ichabod CHAPMAN, who came to Humphrey from Cayuga county about 1838.  He married Rhoda SHERMAN; children: William (a soldier in the Civil war who died in 1889), Julia, Electa, Henry A., George, Clara, Mary, Charles, Townsend (who went to the war and was shot at the battle of Three Pines), Sarah, Helen, and Josephine.  Mr. CHAPMAN died in 1866.  Henry A. CHAPMAN was born in Cayuga county in 1831, grew up a farmer, and in 1858 married Mary P. MEACHUM, of Mansfield.  Milo, the oldest of their two sons, married Lena SHERWOOD;  children: Daniel and Earl.  Levi married Mary OAKS; children: Harry and William.  Mr. CHAPMAN bought his farm of 161 acres on Howe hill in 1858.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 735 & 736

 

Surnames:  CHILDS, SPAULDING, MILLER, MASON, GUTHRIE, FAY, WRIGHT, PIERCE

 

Cephas CHILDS, son of Cephas, was born in Dresden, N. Y., Jan. 31, 1824.  His mother's name was Eunice SPAULDING; children: Eliza (married James MILLER), Donald, Minerva (married Joseph MILLER), Simon J., James M., and Cephas.  Cephas, Sr., was killed by a falling tree when his youngest child was ten days old.  Mrs. CHILDS married, second, Nathan MASON, who brought the family to Crawford, county, Pa.  Cephas, Jr., married, in 1848, Mary A. GUTHRIE, who was born in Phelps, N. Y., in 1824.  They settled in Humphrey, where they have since lived (except four years in Salamanca), in 1852.  Children: Betsey B. (Mrs. Charles FAY), who has children Charles, Irvin B., and Edna L.; Almon G., who married Nettie WRIGHT and has one child, John C.; and Phebe J. (Mrs. Fred PIERCE), whose children are Mary C., Roy H., and Earl.  These three families all live on adjoining farms.  Cephas CHILDS enlisted in Jan. 1862, and served three years in the Civil war, fighting in the battles of Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Antietam, and Gettysburg.  He has always been a farmer and a Republican.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 736

 

Surnames:  CLARK, ARNOLD, FOSTER, WHITLOCK, EVANS

 

Henry S. CLARK is the son of Hiram CLARK, who was born in Chatham, Conn., in 1801, married Achsah ARNOLD in 1825, and came with his family to Great Valley in 1828.  Children: Henry S., Mary (deceased), James, and Charles.  Henry S. CLARK was born in Great Valley in 1830, was reared a farmer, and married Catharine FOSTER in 1858.  In 1861 he enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was in the Army of the Potomac till the close of the war.  He came home with impaired health, for which he now receives a pension.  Children: Hiram married Alice WHITLOCK and has children Lloyd V., Eddie B., and Lelah J.; and Virgil H. born in 1866, a farmer with his father, married Ella C. EVANS in 1888, and has one child, Burnell B.  Evander EVANS, father of Mrs. CLARK, was a soldier and died in service.  Henry S. CLARK has lived on his present farm of 130 acres twenty-seven years.  His wife died in 1871.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 736

 

Surnames:  COLE, SALISBURY, BERRY, REYNOLDS, McKOON

 

Stephen S. COLE, son of Rev. Benjamin and Rachel (SALISBURY) COLE, was born in Marlborough, Vt., in 1802.  In 1822 he came from Phelps, N. Y., to Humphrey, where he had purchased eighty acres, to which he added until he owned 400 acres.  He early exerted a leading influence in the town and county.  He was first a Whig and then one of the organizers of the Republican party in this county in 1856, and took the stump for Fremont and afterward for Lincoln, speaking in every town in the county.  He was justice of the peace about twenty years, was supervisor eleven years, and served as assemblyman in 1851.  He married Miss Lemira P. BERRY, a native of Livingston county.  Children: Marvin S., Rosalia (Mrs. Eugene REYNOLDS), Helen L. (Mrs. Albert I. McKOON), Delia A., and George W.  Marvin S. COLE was born in Humphrey, Feb. 25, 1839, was educated in the common schools and Rushford Academy, enlisted in May, 1861, in Co. H, 37th N. Y. Vols., was promoted orderly-sergeant, and mustered out in June, 1863.  He began teaching and was in the Olean schools seven years and principal of Olean Union School and Academy five years and of Limestone Union School three years.  Owing to the partial failure of his sight he gave up teaching and went to railroading, being cashier at Eldred, Pa., two years.  He came to Machias in August, 1883, and has remained there since as joint station agent for the Western New York & Pennsylvania railroad and the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg railroad.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 736 & 737

 

Surnames:  De GOLIA, VADER, WEBB, GUTHRIE, CROSS, SMALLMAN

 

George C. De GOLIA, whose ancestor came from France during the French and Indian war, was the son of James De GOLIA, of Prattsburg, N. Y., who was born in 1801, came with his family in 1830 to McKean county, Pa:, and died in Smethport, Pa., in 1833.  George C. moved the family to Bradford, Pa., now De GOLIA.  In 1847 his mother married Jacob VADER.  George C. worked in different places at his trade as carpenter and millwright.  He was born in 1821 and in 1849 married Rebecca WEBB, who died in Smethport, Pa., in 1850.  In 1853 he married Electa L. GUTHRIE and in 1858 moved to Humphrey, where he bought in 1864 the farm on which they have since lived.  The eldest of their three children, Andrew J., born in 1857, married Mary, daughter of John CROSS, in 1880, and settled in Humphrey.  Children: Blossom, Budd, Electa J., and John C.  John A., born in 1859, lives with his parents, and George E., born in 1863, married Jennie SMALLMAN, and is a traveling freight agent for the Western New York & Pennsylvania railroad.  Mr. De GOLIA was drafted in 1864 and sent a substitute.  A Republican in politics he served one term as assessor and was justice of the peace from 1861 to 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 737

 

Surnames:  DEVINE, HATTON, KINNEY, FEE, BERRY

 

James DEVINE is the son of James and Margaret (HATTON) DEVINE, who came from Ireland to America about 1840 and settled in Humphrey in 1865.  Their children were: Mary, who married Thomas KINNEY, of Humphrey, and had six children; James; and Ellen (Mrs. Eugene FEE).  James was born Feb. 22, 1857, grew up on his father's farm, attended common school and the Canandaigua Academy, taught school four terms, and was reporter for a time on the Olean Herald.  From 1885 to 1887 he ran as mail agent from Hornellsville to Kent, O., in the discharge of which duties he was caught in a railroad collision at West Salamanca in 1858, receiving injuries in his back that disabled him for three years, for which the company paid him $2,500.  In 1889 he bought the store at Humphrey Center, where he has been a merchant for the past four years.  In 1890 he married Adeline, daughter of Milo BERRY; children: Kittie and Margaret.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 737

 

Surnames:  DICKINSON, ROWLEY, DERBY, BERRY

 

John W. DICKINSON, son of John W., was born in London, England, and received a college education in that city.  After completing his studies he determined to seek a home in the United States and came to New York city and thence to Schenectady, where he resided a few years.  He there married Elizabeth ROWLEY, of that place, and both decided to make the almost unbroken wilderness of Cattaraugus county their future home.  They came to the north part of Humphrey in 1826.  He bought a farm in lower Sugartown, built a log house and barn, and successfully proceeded to make for himself a comfortable home.  He built the first blacksmith shop in that region.  He often delivered orations on public occasions and was a fife-major in the War of 1812.  He was a man of good morals and a thorough temperance advocate, which in those early times was the exception, not the rule.  He was elected justice of the peace and held his courts where the wrangling of the pettifoggers was sometimes interrupted by the hooting of an owl or the screach of some wild animal.  He also taught a few terms of district and singing schools.  There were seven children born to them, two of whom are living: Permelia DERBY in Franklinville and Christina BERRY in Great Valley.  The others were Sarah T., Charles T., Abijah A., Eliza A., and Harriet.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 737

 

Surnames:  DOLLARD, GRIFFIN, WRIGHT, BYRNE, McCUNE, FLYNN

 

Matthew P. DOLLARD, son of Patrick R. and Alice (GRIFFIN) DOLLARD, was born in New York city, Nov. 15, 1838, and came with his father to Humphrey in 1856.  Patrick R. bought of Abram WRIGHT the farm which Matthew P. now owns.  Matthew married, in 1859, Margaret P. BYRNE, who was born in Watertown, N. Y., in 1843; children living: Alice (married John McCUNE and has children John and Daniel), Margaret, John P. (married Mary FLYNN and has one child, Gertrude), Francis J., Helena, Edward, Stephen A., Philip, Many A., Arastula, and Jane A.  Two boys, Matthew and Patrick, died aged twelve and eight and four other children died in infancy.  Mr. DOLLARD has been an efficient town officer and is now serving his sixteenth consecutive term as assessor.  He is a Democrat and a trustee of St. Pacificus church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 737

 

Surnames:  DYE, EMMONS, HOWE

 

Dr. Henry W. DYE, an eclectic physician, was born in Boston, Erie county, in 1816, read medicine with Drs. EMMONS and HOWE in Springville, and came to Franklinville in 1849 and to Humphrey in 1860.  He lived on the Five Mile track and practiced in this town about two years.  He went to Ashford and thence to Salamanca, where he died in 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 738

 

Surnames:  FORD, WATERS, SALISBURY, FOOTE

 

Frank F. FORD is the son of Loren and the grandson of Jacob FORD, who was born in Vermont in 1788, where his father, Isaiah FORD, had been an early settler.  Jacob married Abigail WATERS in 1808 and came to Cattaraugus county, settling in Franklinville when there were but three other families in that town.  Children: Russell, Samuel, Loren, Harriet, David, Daniel, Nathan, Charles, Sarah, Permelia, and Mary.  Loren was born in 1820 and married Jerusha SALISBURY; children: Judson, of Olean; Gatus, died aged eleven; Frank F.; and Sylvester.  Loren FORD, always a farmer, came to Hinsdale in 1853, where he still lives.  Frank F. FORD was born in New Hudson, Allegany county, in 1851, and was raised a farmer.  In 1872 he married Judith, daughter of Rufus FOOTE, of Hinsdale, and the next year bought his present farm of 195 acres in Humphrey, building the house in which he now lives in 1892.  Children: Ernest, born in 1872; Clara, born in 1876, died in 1878; and Glen G. C., born in 1884.  A public spirited Republican he has served his town as collector and highway commissioner.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 738

 

Surnames:  GUTHRIE, SALISBURY, DU BOIS, ARMSTRONG, BROWN, HALE, PRATT, BANNISTER, MACK, WHITNEY, SILL, DUNNING

 

John B. GUTHRIE, son of Almon and Betsey (SALISBURY) and grandson of Benjamin GUTHRIE, was born in Smyrna, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1821.  His father was born in the same town in 1799 and moved his family to Humphrey in 1824.  Children: John B., Electa L., Mary A., Fanny E., Clarissa E., Edwin, and Eliza R.  He settled on Wright's creek, sold his farm to Foster B. SALISBURY, and bought, lived, and died on land now owned by his son John B., who, when twenty-two years old, bought the first part of his present homestead.  In 1849 he married Catharine V., daughter of Conrad DU BOIS, of New Hudson, N. Y., whose grandfather was a French nobleman.  She was born in Ulster county in 1822.  Children: Elizabeth (Mrs. Albert ARMSTRONG); Almon G. (married, in 1879, Mary BROWN, of Great Valley); Electa L. (married Edson HALE in 1880), died in 1892; and Conrad J., who married, in 1878, Caroline PRATT, of Kendall Creek, Pa.; children: Cora A. and Leslie C.  John B. GUTHRIE has been assessor three terms, overseer of the poor, highway commissioner, constable, and collector, and a Republican since that party was organized.  His father had an ashery in early times where he made black-salts, which were called "Jackson money."

 

Edwin GUTHRIE, son of Almon and Betsey (SALISBURY) GUTHRIE, was born on the homestead in Humphrey, Sept. 29, 1829, and is probably the oldest native of the town who still lives here.  Betsey was the daughter of John SALISBURY, of Phelps, N, Y., and her mother was a sister of General BANNISTER.  After the common schools at home, and eighteen weeks at Hinsdale in 1847, Edwin attended the Union School at Vienna at a time when it was broken up by small-pox.  When twenty-eight years old he married Mary S., daughter of Elisha MACK, of Bath, N. Y.  In 1858 he bought a part of the farm which is still his home.  Children: Eveline M. (Mrs. Spencer WHITNEY), Franklin S., Ida (deceased), Edwin (married Carrie G. SILL), Elisha W. (married Callie DUNNING), Josephine B., Allen L., and Burdette J.  Mr. GUTHRIE, originally a Republican, now a Prohibitionist, has served as commissioner of highways and for two terms as justice of the peace.  He built and owns GUTHRIE hall.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 738 & 739

 

Surnames:  HITCHCOCK, COON, DYE, McCUNE, FORD, McWILLIAMS

 

Freeman HITCHCOCK is the son of Shadrach HITCHCOCK, who came from Rhode Island and settled in Fabius, N. Y.  He married Betsey E. COON; children: Hannah, Polly, Harriet, James, Shadrach, Huldah, Nancy, Elisha, George, Betsey, Horace, and Freeman.  Freeman HITCHCOCK was born in 1829, in Fabius, and when young came to Humphrey and lived a year with his brother James, who came here early.  About 1858 he bought his present farm on the Five Mile tract and in 1860 he married Ann M., daughter of Dr. Henry W. DYE, of Humphrey.  Their first children were twins, George and Isabel.  The former, now of Humphrey, married Maggie McCUNE; children: John, George, and Marian.  Isabel married Sylvester FORD, of Hinsdale; children: Lena and Leona.  The next child, Myrtie, married Charles McWILLIAMS, of Olean; they have one child, Henry.  Marion, their next child, died when five years old.  The others are Katie B., Bessie E., Merriam H., William J., and Emma R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 739

 

Surnames:  LEANING, NEWMARCH, STONE, MURPHY, MOORE

 

Richard M. LEANING is the son of Richard LEANING, who married Mary NEWMARCH and came from Lincolnshire, Eng., in 1830, and settled in Otsego county.  Children: Eliza, Elizabeth, William, John, Fanny, Mary, Rachel, Richard M., Helen, Wallace, and Lucina.  Richard M. was born in Otsego county in 1834 and married, in 1853, Sarah, daughter of Theodore STONE, a pioneer of Mansfield, in which town Richard was a farmer from 1862 to 1870, when he bought his farm of 246 acres in Sugartown, where he now lives.  Children: Marsella (Mrs. James MURPHY), deceased; Emmagrue, died when four years old; Frank, died at the age of fifteen; Emma, died when four years old; Nellie (Mrs. Charles K. MOORE), whose children are Erton L., Earl, Ada, and Anna; and Marsellus, of Ellicottville, whose children are Frank and Sarah.  Mr. LEANING, a Democrat, has served six years as assessor and in 1886 was supervisor of Humphrey.  He is a member of the Free Baptist church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 739

 

Surnames:  LEARN, SPRAGLE, ELY, PIERCE

 

George P. LEARN is the son of Joseph LEARN, who came from Northampton county, Pa., about 1825, and settled in the eastern part of Humphrey.  He married Mary SPRAGLE of Northampton county.  Children: Miles J., of Franklinville; Caleb, of Allegany; and George P., who was born in Humphrey in 1835.  When Mr. LEARN first came to town his nearest neighbors east or west were three miles distant.  Wild game was so plenty that he felt sure of shooting a deer whenever the family needed venison.  He died in 1857 and his wife in 1872.  George P. married Julia, daughter of David ELY, of Franklinville, in 1853.  They have one child, William E., who married Bertha, daughter of Eugene F. PIERCE, of Humphrey.  They settled at the Center and have one child, Vera.  George P. LEARN, always a Republican, has filled most of the town offices in Humphrey; he was supervisor in 1880, 1882, 1883, and 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 739

 

Surnames:  LITCHFIELD, GREENO, COOPER

 

Leroy LITCHFIELD is the son of Orange LITCHFIELD, who was born in Bethany, N. Y., in 1807, where he married Presina GREENO.  Children: Harvey, Mary, Hiram, Leroy, Lucia, Emogene, and Rinaldo.  In 1831 he removed to Randolph, where he still lives and where Leroy was born in 1838.  The latter learned his father's trade of blacksmithing, which he followed till 1862, when he enlisted as first lieutenant in Co. H, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  At the latter he was taken prisoner and for seventeen months suffered the tortures of Belle Isle, Libby, Andersonville, Savannah, and Milan prisons.  Of sixteen comrade prisoners of Co. H, he was the only man who lived to rejoin his regiment, with which he served till the close of the war.  He married, in 1866, Carrie D., daughter of John and Mary COOPER.  Mr. LITCHFIELD is now the only living representative in Humphrey of the several COOPER families once so prominent and numerous here.  Since the war Mr. LITCHFIELD has followed his trade at the Center except one year, when he was a merchant and deputy postmaster.  He has for the past year and a half run a daily stage and carried the mail from Humphrey Center to Great Valley Center.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 739 & 740

 

Surname:  MARSH

 

Danforth MARSH raised seven sons and two daughters.  Five of the sons – John, Cyrus, Ezra, William, and Staley – served honorably through the Rebellion and all came home alive.  Staley was shot through the body at Cedar Mountain and is an invalid.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 740

 

Surnames:  MATTESON, WICKHAM, McWILLIAMS, WELCH, BOZARD, DAY, McCLUER, TALBOT

 

George B. MATTESON was born in Pompey Hollow, N. Y., in 1834, from whence his father, Francis MATTESON, born in 1795, a son of Calvin, came in 1835 to Humphrey and died in 1862.  Francis married Betsey WICKHAM.  Children: Leroy W., William, Mary, Sarah, Layuern, Nelson, Richard, Ordelia, and George B.  The latter grew up trained to all kinds of farm work, lumbering, making shingles, and tended saw-mill in many towns in Pennsylvania.  He is one of the few living men who has cradled six acres of wheat or has made from the log 2,000 shingles in a day.  He married, in 1855, Eliza Ann McWILLIAMS; children: Alonzo (died young), Elmer, Amy (who married Charles WELCH, of Allegany, and has children Jennie, Lida, and Cora), John (married Iva, daughter of Ashbel BOZARD), Olive (married John DAY and has children Ella and Margueritte), and Olive (who died when eighteen years old – ten days after her marriage to Robert McCLUER).  Mr. MATTESON's second marriage was to Roxania TALBOT in 1882.  He has lived on his present farm nearly forty years, has been assessor, and is a buyer of farm produce.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 740

 

Surnames:  McKAY, BALL, JOHNSON, BURROUGHS, CHASE

 

Oscar L. McKAY is the great-grandson of Burnett McKAY, of Genesee county, whose son Silas moved from Middlebury, N. Y., and settled in Mansfield in 1825.  Silas McKAY was the father of a noted family of nine sons, the eldest of whom, Liberius, the father of Oscar L., was born in Middlebury in 1819 and lived in Mansfield sixty-three years, dying there in 1888.  By his first wife, Huldah BALL, he had three children, who all died young.  By his second wife, Susan JOHNSON, of Ashford, his children were Oscar L. (born in 1839), Olive M., Martha A., Hanford, Eugene, and Louisa -- all dead but the oldest and the youngest.  Oscar L. enlisted in 1861 and joined the army under General McClellan; he was in the battle of Fair Oaks, was taken sick, and was discharged in 1863.  He came home and married, in 1863, Martha A., daughter of Hiram BURROUGHS, of Mansfield.  Children: Lucy J. (Mrs. Manley CHASE), whose children are Ethel M. and Ralph; Grant D.; Glenn E.; and Bernette E.  Mr. McKAY has lived on his present farm in Humphrey for twenty years and has served three terms on the Board of Excise.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 740

 

Surnames:  McKOON, LUTHER, WILLIAMS, YOUNG, CRARY, HOWE

 

Newton C. McKOON is the son of Daniel W. and the grandson of Martin McKOON, of Vermont, whose father, of Scotch ancestry, was a lineal descendant from Martin LUTHER.  Martin McKOON married Rhoba, daughter of John WILLIAMS, a noted Baptist preacher of Rhode Island and a descendant of Roger WILLIAMS.  The children of Martin and Rhoba McKOON were in the sixth generation from Roger WILLIAMS and in the twelfth generation from Martin LUTHER.  Daniel W. McKOON was born in Columbia, N.Y, in 1811, and married Jane YOUNG, of the same place; children: Newton C., Cyrus, Mary Jane, Albert, David, Helen, and Rhoba.  He was a Free Baptist minister and came to Cattaraugus county in 1857, where he preached in Little Valley, Humphrey, and various other towns, and died in Olean in 1871.  Newton C. McKOON was born in Columbia, N. Y., in 1836 and came to Humphrey in 1859, settling on the farm in Sugartown that is still his home.  In 1864 he married Ann, daughter of Benjamin CRARY, who came in 1847 from Tompkins county to Sugartown, where he lived forty-three years and died in 1890.  His wife was Rhoda HOWE; children: Lemie H., Ann, and Albert.  Newton C. was educated at Ellington Academy and taught school twenty-five terms.  He was school commissioner two terms from 1872 and from 1885, was town assessor in 1869, 1870, and 1871, and in connection with the management of his farm has been a dealer in agricultural implements.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 741

 

Surnames:  MOSMAN, SWEET, GANUNG, WAGNER

 

Mathias MOSMAN is the son of William MOSMAN, who was born in Germany in 1801, came to America in 1847, and settled in Erie county, where he died in 1881.  Mathias came to Humphrey in 1854 and worked by the month for Rufus and Gilbert SWEET, buying of the latter fifty acres of land in 1860.  In 1862 he married Mary E., daughter of James GANUNG,  Their eldest child, William J., married Gertrude WAGNER and has one child, Coral.  Sarah A. and Charles B. MOSMAN, the two younger children, are at home.  In 1864 Mr. MOSMAN enlisted in Co. A, 188th N. Y. Vols., and joined the Fifth Army Corps.  He was in the Weldon Raid, the first and second Hatcher's Run battles, and was present at Lee's surrender.  He was discharged at Arlington at the close of the war.  Originally a Republican he was one of ten men who organized the Prohibition party in Cattaraugus county, to which he still belongs.  He bought his present farm of eighty acres in 1868 and built his new house in 1882.  He was a member of the first Excise Board in Humphrey and has been a deacon of the Baptist church fifteen years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 741

 

Surnames:  O’BRIEN, DEVEREUX, QUIRK

 

William S. O’BRIEN is the son of Daniel and Teresa (DEVEREUX) O’BRIEN, who came from Ireland and settled on Bozard hill in 1849.  Children: Ann, Eliza, Patrick, Matthew, James, Maria, and William S.  The latter, born in 1850, married, in 1878, Nora M., daughter of Daniel QUIRK, one of the early settlers of Humphrey.  William and his wife lived with his father till his death in 1885, when he sold the Bozard hill homestead and bought and built on his farm near Chapellsburg.  Children: Daniel P., Francis J., William Leo, Ellen T., Teresa, Vincent A., Stephen P., and Ruth M.  Mr. O’BRIEN served as Democratic supervisor in 1890, 1891, and 1892, and reduced the valuation $40,000.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 741

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, FOSMER, WOODRUFF, NORTH, BERRY, CANADA, BARNARD, SILL, CORTHELL, LINDERMAN, LEARN

 

Harvey A. PIERCE is the son of Lyartus PIERCE, who was born near Boston in 1795, and the grandson of Caleb PIERCE, who was born in Hancock, Mass., in 1768, came to Fabius, N. Y., and died in 1838.  Lyartus married Catharine FOSMER, of Fabius, and came to Humphrey in 1835, settling on Bozard hill on lot 6.  Children: Henry B., Hiram, Harrison, Angeline, Harvey W., Harlow, Adeline, and Julia.  Harvey was born in Fabius in 1830, was reared a farmer, and married, in 1852, Mary, daughter of Charles C. WOODRUFF, of Humphrey; children: Fremont C. (died at the age of seventeen), Fred F., Jessie (Mrs. Samuel NORTH), Laura (Mrs. Frank BERRY), Charles S. (born May 16, 1870, now a merchant at Humphrey and town clerk), and Mary L. (who died young).  Charles S. PIERCE married Emma, daughter of Myron CANADA, who died in 1872 from exposure in the army.  H. A. PIERCE bought on lot 14 in 1852 and was a farmer for the next twenty years.  In 1872 he opened a store at Chapellsburg and three years later built the store which he kept till 1892, when his son Charles S. became his partner, and he moved to his farm at the Center.  During all these years Mr. PIERCE has been one of the most active business men in town, and has served two years as town clerk, two terms as overseer of the poor, five full terms as justice, and as postmaster under Garfield.

 

Eugene F. PIERCE is the son of Income S. PIERCE, who came from Fabius, N. Y., in 1836 and settled on the farm of 131 acres where his son now lives.  He married, in 1822, Louisa BARNARD, of Fabius; children: William B., John O. (deceased), Mary S. (Mrs. Samuel SILL), Urial J. (deceased), Ashbel A., Caroline A. (Mrs. Clinton CORTHELL), and Gordon C. and jasper N. (both deceased).  E. F. PIERCE was born in Humphrey in 1844 and married Emeline LINDERMAN in 1865.  Children: Bertha G. (Mrs. W. E. LEARN), Charles A., Alonzo, Urial J., and Addie L.  Mr. PIERCE's father died in 1851 and his mother in 1891.  Besides farming he deals in butter, eggs, and farm produce.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 742

 

Surnames:  REED, CRARY, CAMPBELL, SPENCER, HALE, CHICKERING

 

Mrs. Caroline C. REED is the daughter of Dr. Augustus CRARY (p. 125), whose grandfather, William CRARY, of Wallingford, Vt., was the son of William CRARY, of Scotch extraction, born in 1712, married Nancy CAMPBELL, and died in 1790.  His son William, born in 1759, married Sarah Ann, daughter of Benjamin SPENCER, an eminent Quaker lawyer who lost 1,000 acres of land and a large amount of live stock and household goods by command of Gen. Ethan Allen during the Revolutionary war because he would not consent to go to war himself, although he sent into the army all of his sons who were old enough.  William came to Dryden, N. Y., at an early day.  His son Augustus was born in Vermont in 1788, became a physician, married Priscilla HALE in 1809, and came to Yorkshire in 1827 and to Ellicottville in 1831.  Children: Caroline, Clark, Hale, Archibald, Jane, and Eugene, the latter and Mrs. REED being the only survivors.  Caroline married Dr. Calvin CHICKERING in 1831, who came to Humphrey in 1836, where he died in 1846.  In 1847 she married Dr. Virgil REED, who practiced in Humphrey until his death in 1866.  Their only child, Frank Hamilton, born in 1849, died in 1876.  Mrs. REED joined the Methodist Episcopal church in 1839, to which she has been devotedly attached, giving to her own society over $4,000 and to the Methodist Society in Franklinville $2,000.  She was born in 1810.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 742

 

Surnames:  RIDER, LOTHRIDGE, JEWETT, MORRIS, FOY

 

John A. RIDER is the son of Henry RIDER, of Massachusetts, who settled in Buffalo in 1820 and married Hattie LOTHRIDGE.  Children: Elbridge G., William, Henry H., Roderick, and John A. -- all dead but the last two.  Henry RIDER was a carpenter and house builder, and his son John A. also grew up a mechanic and became a ship carpenter.  Buffalo, from 1835 to 1855, was celebrated for its ship yards, in which Mr. RIDER worked on many noted boats, among which were the Queen City, Niagara, Buffalo, City of Buffalo, and the Western Metropolis, all of them side-wheel steamers running to Chicago.  He married, in 1840, Melissa JEWETT; children: Agnes (Mrs. Jerome MORRIS), Clara, and John A.  Mr. RIDER's second marriage was to Sarah FOY in 1866.  The same year he came to Humphrey and bought his present farm of 154 acres.  They have one son, Egbert F., born in 1872.  Mr. RIDER was a member of the Board of Health in Buffalo during the cholera season of 1858.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 742 & 743

 

Surnames:  SHERMAN, KING, CHAPELL, TASKER, MORRIS, MILLS, SHEPARD, BRYANT

 

William J. SHERMAN is the son of Peter Castle SHERMAN, who was born in Charlotte, Vt., and was a descendant of Roger SHERMAN, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  Peter C. married Cynthia KING, of English descent, who died in 1843.  He died in 1865.  William J. was born in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., in 1830, and went to Honesdale, Pa., in 1847, where he learned the tinner's trade.  In 1850 he entered the employ of the Erie railroad as fireman on an engine.  One day when the engineer was sick he drew the first car-load of timber for the celebrated Portage bridge.  In 1853 he became an engineer, and left the Erie in 1855, went west, and was employed as engineer on a portion of what is now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in Illinois.  On one of his regular trips, drawing a passenger train his engine sank in the Mississippi Bottom marsh, four miles from Burlington, injuring him so that he was disabled for a year.  It was five weeks before the engine was raised from the mud.  In 1861 he returned and ran a passenger engine on the Erie until 1874, when he quit railroading.  Since that time he has been a farmer and a hotel keeper in Humphrey in the same hotel opened by Russell CHAPELL more than half a century ago.  Mr. SHERMAN is a very intelligent representative of the few remaining and fast decreasing force of veteran Erie engineers, rich in experience of the early days of railroading.  He married, in 1853, Jane TASKER, of Little Valley, who died in 1863, leaving a nephew as an adopted son, now Charles T. SHERMAN, of Evansville, Ind. William J. SHERMAN's second marriage was in 1866 to Charlotte MORRIS, who was born in Hinsdale in 1839.  Children: L. Mary, Romaine A., William B., and Annette L.  Mrs. SHERMAN is the only daughter of William S. and Phebe P. MORRIS.  William S. MORRIS was the son of Samuel and Charlotte (MILLS) MORRIS, of Cazenovia, N. Y.  Mrs. MORRIS was the stepdaughter of Jacob and Phebe SHEPARD.  She was born in 1803 in Schenectady, N. Y., and was married in 1819 to Edward BRYANT, of Great Valley, where he died in 1823.  Her second marriage was to William S. MORRIS in 1828, who died in Humphrey in 1868, aged seventy-one years.  His wife died in 1882, aged seventy-nine years.  Russell CHAPELL died in Humphrey in 1857, aged eighty-two years.  His wife Phebe died in 1863, aged eighty-three years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 743

 

Surnames:  STONE, UTTER, COE, BACON, NUDD, WILBER, KENNEDY, STIMSON, OLMSTED

 

Russel STONE is the son of Alexander and grandson of Alexander STONE, both of Otsego county.  His father married Nancy UTTER and removed his family to Warsaw, Livingston county, where Russel was born in 1819, and in 1833 he came to Cattaraugus county and settled in Mansfield.  Children: Mason, Nancy, Russel, Annis, Huldah, and Esther.  Russel was a carpenter by trade, married Harriet COE, and settled in Humphrey in 1851, where he has since been a farmer.  Of their children Benjamin, the eldest, entered the army and died in the service; Albert married Mary BACON in 1875 and has children Truman and Blanche; Eleanor (Mrs. Gale NUDD), of Humphrey, married, first, Milo WILBER, by whom she had one child, Gertrude; Chester married Elvira KENNEDY, who has one child, Clarence; Rose (Mrs. Martin WILBER), of Humphrey, has one child, Forrest; Ida (Mrs. George STIMSON) has children Hattie, Jennie, Mabel, and Floyd; and Homer married Alice OLMSTED, has one child, Lewis, and resides in Yorkshire.  Mr. STONE has lived on his present farm of seventy acres since 1862.  His wife died in 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 743 & 744

 

Surnames:  SWEET, PERRY, TRAIN, BOZARD, REED, BERRY, MANNING, SOUTHWICK, SHERWOOD, BOWEN

 

Rufus S. SWEET was the son of Samuel SWEET, who was born in Rhode Island in 1794 and settled in Hartwick, N. Y., where he was foreman in a cotton factory and a preacher in the Christian denomination.  He married Hannah PERRY; children: Gilbert C., Sylvester D., Susan S., Mary A., Rufus S., Abel P., Maria E., and James J.  In 1817 he removed to Erie county, N. Y., where he died in 1863.  Rufus SWEET, his father, was born in England in 1763 and died in 1820.  Rufus S. SWEET, born in Otsego county in 1826, married Betsey TRAIN, of Collins, N. Y., in 1851, and in 1854 bought for $1,300 and settled on 350 acres of wild land in Humphrey, one hill of which is the highest point in Cattaraugus county.  He built a log house and in 1870 his present residence.  The best pine trees had been stolen for rails before he bought the land, but from what were left he made and sold over half a million shingles.  His nearest neighbor was Richard BOZARD.  In 1860 his brother, Gilbert C. SWEET, settled on Cooper hill.  Children: Patience S. (Mrs. William REED), Henry G. (married Adeline BERRY and died in 1860), Luella (Mrs. A. H. MANNING), Samuel (married Jennie SOUTHWICK and lives on the old homestead), and R. Lincoln (married Ola SHERWOOD).  Mrs. SWEET was the daughter of Elisha TRAIN, who was born in Vermont in 1792, and married Lois BOWEN, of Deerfield, Pa.  Their second son, William H. TRAIN, came to Humphrey in 1876 and has taught school in every district in town.  Spencer, a younger son, lost his life in the Rebellion.  Originally a Republican Mr. SWEET is now a Prohibitionist and in religious faith he has always been a staunch Universalist.  Gilbert C. SWEET was supervisor of Humphrey in 1870 and 1872.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 744

 

Surnames:  THOMAS, McKOON, CHASE, CHAPMAN, BOWEN, DAVIS

 

Charles THOMAS was born in Ellicottville in 1828, where his father, Isaac THOMAS, from Albany, N. Y., settled in 1820, removing in 1829 to the farm now owned by Newton C. McKOON in Sugartown.  He married Eunice CHASE, of Humphrey; children: Laura, George, Charles, lra, Henry, Lucena, Elizabeth, Jennette, and Shepard, of whom three are dead.  Charles married, in 1856, Sarah, daughter of Ichabod CHAPMAN; children: Lillie S., Hattie E. (Mrs. Otis BOWEN, of Randolph, who has two children), Lillie (Mrs. Lewis BOWEN, who has five children), William W. (who died eight years old), and Mark T. (married Ella DAVIS and has one child, Mildred).  Charles THOMAS, in religious belief a Seventh Day Adventist and in politics a Republican, has been two terms overseer of the poor and five terms highway commissioner.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 744

 

Surnames:  WHITLOCK, TROWBRIDGE, HOLLISTER, LINDERMAN

 

Stanley M. WHITLOCK is the son of William WHITLOCK, a soldier who was shot in the army, and the grandson of Thomas WHITLOCK, who settled in Ischua from Ithaca, N. Y., about 1830, William WHITLOCK married Eliza, daughter of Dr. James TROWBRIDGE; children: Euzetta (Mrs. Ernest HOLLISTER), Stanley M., Clara (Mrs. Lester LINDERMAN), and Henry.  Stanley WHITLOCK was born in 1853, was reared on a farm, married Dora LINDERMAN in 1877, and came to Humphrey and settled on his present farm of eighty-four acres in 1879.  Children: Ray, Clair, and Bessie.  Mr. WHITLOCK is active in town affairs and is now filling the office of assessor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Page 744

 

Surnames:  WHITNEY, WARNER, HOWE, HAGGERTY, MAHER

 

Charles E. WHITNEY is the son of Joseph M. WHITNEY, of Penn Yan, N. Y., who came to Sardinia, N. Y., and in 1843 married Arabella H. WARNER, of Ashford.  After living in East Otto and Ashford Hollow they settled in Great Valley in 1853, where Mrs. WHITNEY died in 1865.  She was born in Keene, N. H., a daughter of Jerry and Phebe (HOWE) WARNER, of Scotch descent.  Their children were Charles E., Eliza F., Warner J., Sarah E., Julia A., Spencer L., Fred M., Frank B. and George.  Charles E. was born in 1845, in Sardinia, grew up on the farm with the usual common school advantages, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in Co. I, 154th N. Y. Vols., and joined the Army of the Potomac, fighting under McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, and Meade.  In the battle of Chancellorsville he was severely wounded in his left thigh, after which he was captured and remained three days on the field, constantly under fire, without food or medical attention.  After two weeks' imprisonment and eight months in the hospital he returned to his regiment and at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., in 1864, was again captured and confined in Andersonville and other rebel prisons seven months, weighing but eighty-five pounds when he came out.  He did no more active duty, is still lame in his shattered thigh, and receives a small pension.  He married, in 1871, Sarah E., daughter of William C. HAGGERTY, of Humphrey.  They settled in Kansas, where he was postmaster and justice of the peace ten years and also filled other town offices.  Poor health brought them back in 1863 to this town, where his father had settled in 1866, and where he died in 1880.  Children: Clara A. (Mrs. Frank H. MAHER), Julia E., Fred H. (died in Kansas), Marian E., and Fannie A.  Mr. WHITNEY has always been a Republican and is now justice of the peace.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Humphrey – Chapter XXXII (32)

Pages 744 & 745

 

Surnames:  WILBER, KINYON, BENNETT, RAUB, BARBER

 

Barber WILBER was born in Fabius, N. Y., in 1812, whither his father, Freeman WILBER, removed at an early, day from Rhode Island.  Freeman was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.  He married Mercy KINYON; their sons were Kinyon, Freeman, Alanson, Robert, Amasa, Nathan, and Barber, all of whom came to Humphrey about 1830 and settled on the Five Mile tract, which is still largely peopled with their descendants.  Barber WILBER married Mary BENNETT in 1840; children: Caroline (Mrs. David RAUB, who has one child, Nellie), Angeline, Milo, Maria, Corydon, Louisa, Stanley, and Olivia.  The latter married Alonzo BARBER and has one son, Henry.  Four of these eight children -- Angeline, Maria, Corydon, and Louisa -- died in 1865, in one month, of diphtheria.  Of the remainder all except Mrs. RAUB are living with their father.  When clearing his farm of 100 acres, on which Mr. WILBER has lived for over half a century, he made black-salts and shingles.

 

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TOWN OF ISCHUA

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM:  HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1130 & 1131

 

Surnames:  BAXTER, UNDERHILL, MCQUEEN, SHERWOOD, COUELL, MERRIT, MCCORMICK

 

Charles C. BAXTER is the sone of John W. (born in1792), grandson of John (born in 1760), and great-grandson of Petit BAXTER (born in 1732), whose father, John BAXTER, born about 1700, lived in Westchester county, N.Y.  The ancestor of the BAXTER family, Capt. John BAXTER, came from England in 1664 in command of a company of Irish volunteers, and received for his services a grant of Throgg's Neck.  John, the son of Petit, entered the Revolutionary army at the age of sixteen and was wounded by a tory named UNDERHILL.  With twenty-four others he was sent to a hospital in New York city, where the small-pox broke out, and he was one of only six survivors.  His son John W. came to Allegany county in 1820, where he was a millwright, and died there in 1862.  He married, in 1814, Mary McQUEEN, in Montgomery county, N.Y.; children: Dorcas, Henry, James, Richard, Mary, Rachel, Sarah, David, John L., Phebe, and Charles C.  Charles C. BAXTER was born in 1840 in Friendship.  He was reared a lumberman and learned the millwright's trade.  Leavinghome when twenty-one years old he worked twelve years in Pennsylvania cutting lumber and building mills.  In 1874  he came to Ischua and entered the grist and carding-mill which he now owns and operates.  In 1862 he married Oreanna SHERWOOD; children:  Mary, who married Dennis C. COUELL and died in 1889 in Buffalo, leaving children grace, William, and Ellen; William C.; and Mina (Mrs. William MERRIT), of Friendship; they have one child, Percy.  Mr. BAXTER, married, second, in 1872, Mary J. McCORMICK; children:  James, Katie, Florence, John, Lorena, and Robert H.  He married his third wife in 1888; children:  Jason and Norman.  He has always been an active Republican,  serving the town as auditor, justice of the peace one term, and as supervisor in 1884 and 1888-90.  His son William C. is a railroad conductor in Mexico.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1131

 

Surnames:  CARMER, HILLMAN, SPRIGGLE, FARWELL

 

Eben R. CARMER is the son of Peter S. CARMER, who came from Dryden, N.Y., and settled on Dutch hill in Ischua in 1827, where Dr. HILLMAN now lives.  He married Margaret SPRIGGLE, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1802.  Children:  Jacob, who went west and died there; Cyrus, of Hinsdale; Eben R.; Maranda A., who died when thirteen years old; Eli (deceased); and Peter, of Wisconsin.  Eben R. CARMER, born in 1831, has always been a farmer except the period from 1857 to 1869 spent in Minnesota and Wisconsin in lumbering.  In 1886 he married Clarissa, daughter of Abram FARWELL, of Ischua.  Mr. CARMER was elected assessor on the Republican ticket in the spring of 1893.  His mother, The oldest person in Ischua, is living in his family aged 91 years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1131

 

Surnames:  CARPENTER, BURROUGHS, PATRIDGE, HIBNER, SHERWOOD, CHAMBERLIN, McSTAY, WHARTON, DURHAM, THAYER

 

Frederick CARPENTER is the son of Frederick CARPENTER, of Rhode Island, who settled in Warren, Mass., where he married Eunice BURROUGHS.  Children:  Isaac, Eunice, Lucy, Laura, Calista, Mary, Eliza, Frederick, David, Sidney, Hannah, and Charles.  Mr. CARPENTER died there aged fifty-six and his wife at the age of ninety-six.  Frederick was born in Warren, Nov 4, 1804, and came to Franklinville in 1821.  Isaac, Lucy, Eunice, David, and Laura CARPENTER had already settled in Franklinville and Farmersville. Frederick had fifty cents in money left, which he paid Flavel PATRIDGE, who kept a small store at Franklinville, towards a new axe, which cost $2.50.  He began chopping cord-wood at fifty or seventy-five cents per day.  He can now count more than 200 acres of woodland in Franklinville, Machias, and Ischua which he has chopped over since that time.  In 1831 he bought the first forty acres of his present farm, paying $4 an acre, and on it he has lived sixty-two years, buying in the meantime 145 acres more.  In 1829 he married Elsie, daughter of David HIBNER; children : David, who died twenty-one years old; James and Sidney, of Stevens Point, Wis., Ruth E. (Mrs. Noah SHERWOOD), of Ischua; Frederick L., who married Delilia, daughter of C. G. CHAMBERLIN, of Ischua; Sarah E. (Mrs. William McSTAY), of Lyndon; Levi P., who died in 1860; Eunice S. (Mrs. William WHARTON), of Nebraska; and Charles E., who died in 1860.  Mrs. CARPENTER died in 1882.  With the exception of two or three years in the ashery and mercantile business, Mr. CARPENTER has always been a farmer.  In 1835, he was first elected justice of the peace and, although resigning twice, has since served nearly forty years.  He served four years as supervisor of Hinsdale and was the first supervisor of Ischua (then Rice), holding the office in all nineteen years.  When young he made two trips on the Erie canal between Buffalo and Albany and is one of the few men living who saw the three THAYERs hung in Buffalo.  Frederick L. CARPENTER resides on the homestead in Ischua, which town he has served two terms as supervisor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1132

 

Surnames:  CASWELL, CHAMBERLIN, LOCKWOOD, SNYDER, DAVIS

 

Charles Justus CASWELL lives on the old farm on which his father, Anthony CASWELL, settled in 1824.  Anthony was born in Rhode Island, lived a while in Connecticut, went thence to Charleston, S.C., and returned the same year to Schenectady, N.Y., where he worked on the construction of the Erie canal in 1823 and 1824.  The first cabin he built caught fire one day, burning his entire outfit, including his highly-prized rifle.  This so discouraged him that he decided to leave, but his friend, Tibbetts CHAMBERLIN, of Cuba, N.Y., persuaded him to stay by helping him to whatever he needed to start anew, and he continued to live alone in the woods for four years.  Then he ran Tibbetts CHAMBERLIN’s still in Cuba for a while and in 1829 married Sally, daughter of Justus LOCKWOOD, of Lyndon.  Children: Sarah S., who died young; Juliette E. (Mrs. Lewis SNYDER), of Lyndon; Rensselaer J., of Franklinville; Horace A., who died aged twenty-one; Calvin T.; George G. and George M, who both died young; Charles J.; Decimal W.; and Mary A. and John S., who both died of diphteria.  Charles J., born in 1846, enlisted in 1864 in Co. D, 13th N. Y. H.A.  In 1868 he married Electa A., daughter of James DAVIS, of Caneadea, N.Y.  Children: Eugene, Frankie (deceased), Francis R., Myra A., Dow E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1132

 

Surname:  CHAMBERLIN, SMITH, DAVIS, FARWELL, DENSMORE, REID

 

William and Rebecca CHAMBERLIN both descended from English families.  They came to Hinsdale from Barton, Vt., traveling the long, cold route in the winter of 1815-16 with a canvas-covered sleigh drawn by a yoke of oxen.  Much of the way they were compelled to hitch one ox ahead of the other in tandem style to pass the deep and drifted snow, arriving in Feb., 1816.  Accompanying them were Ira A. and Cornelius G. CHAMBERLIN, who were then nine and seven years of age, who took turns driving the white-faced cow, which supplied them with milk on their journey.  Hazen and William were the other and younger members of the family on that trip.  Henry and Candace M. were born to them after their arrival.  They first settled on what is now the Horace SMITH farm.  William afterward removed his family within the limits of what is now Ischua, where he was killed in 1824 while raising a bridge over the creek near where E.F. DAVIS now lives.  The eldest sons, Ira A. and Cornelius G., together with their mother, contracted from the land office the farm afterward owned by Cornelius G.  Ira A. was born in Barton, Vt., in 1807.  He married Susan, daughter of Abram M. FARWELL; children: Candace L., Ophelia D., Loren I. ,Andrew J., Adaline C.,  Hazen E., Emily C., Caroline G., and L.A.   Mr. CHAMBERLIN removed to Hinsdale village, where he died in 1889.  Cornelius G. CHAMBERLIN was born in Barton, Vt., in 1809, and married, in 1835, Hulda, daughter of Eleazer DENSMORE, of Ischua.  Children:  Rosalie (deceased), William W., Erastus, Franklin H., Wales, Phebe E., and Finace.  Mr. CHAMBERLIN died in Ischua in 1892.  He was regarded throughout all his mature years as one of the most sagacious, capable, and successful business men in his section of Cattaraugus County.  His widow lives in Ischua village.  Their son Erastus was born in Ischua, and was raised a farmer with a common school education.  From 1859 to 1865 he was a clerk in Henry CHAMBERLIN’s store, and then spent five years in the oil regions-at Pithole and other points.  In 1870 he bought Henry CHAMBERLIN’s store and residence in Ischua village, where he was a merchant till 1883, when he sold to his brother Wales CHAMBERLIN .  Since then he has been a farmer and real estate and agricultural implement dealer.  For several years he was justice of the peace and has had almost the experience and practice of a professional lawyer.  He married, in 1871, Grace, daughter of Robert REID, of Franklinville.  Children:  Gertie, born in 1873; Robert, deceased; and Floyd, born in 1892.  Mr. CHAMBERLIN is a Democrat in politics.  Cornelius G., Haze, and Henry have each represented Ischua on the Board of Supervisors of Cattaraugus county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1133

 

Surname:  CHASE, TAYLOR, HILL, TROWBRIDGE

 

Walter CHASE is the son of Elias CHASE, who lived in Vermont, where he married Rachel TAYLOR;  children:  Elzina, Van Buren, Alfred, Walter, Edmund, Asa, and Cynthia.  Walter was born in Fletcher, Franklin county, Vt.  In 1861 he enlisted in Co. H, 2d Vt. Vols., was mustered into the Army of the Potomac, was at the battles of first Bull Run, Fair Oaks, and Malvern Hill, where he was taken sick and sent to the hospital.  In 1863 he re-enlisted and participated in the battle of the Wilderness, was sixteen days under fire at Spotsylvania, and received a shot in his left leg at Cold Harbor.  He served also in other battles, including Petersburg, and was discharged in 1865.  In 1866 he married Florence HILL and settled in Ischua; children: Alfred, who married Dora TROWBRIDGE and has one child, Florence; Mettie (Mrs. Albert TROWBRIDGE), of Ischua; Luther; Francis; Jesse; and Etta.  Soon after the war Mr. CHASE’s health declined and he has not walked a step in four years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1133

 

Surname:  CLINE, BENNETT, HILL, WHEELER, TERRY

 

Frederick CLINE is the son of Seymour CLINE, who came from Oxford, N.Y., in 1840 and settled on lots 22 and 30.  He died in 1856.  He married Lovina BENNETT; children: Frederick; Edward, who married Minerva HILL and lived and died in Ischua; and Augusta (Mrs. Gilbert WHEELER), of Ischua. At the age of twenty-one Frederick, who was born in 1829, left home and bought a farm on lot 30, adding to it until he had over 400 acres, and lived on it twenty-one years.  He married, in 1853, Almira, daughter of Elisha TERRY, of Ischua; children:  Terry E., born in 1861, and John W., born in 1873, died in 1875.  In 1876 Mr. CLINE moved to Ischua village, where he has been a dealer in lumber, love stock, and farm produce.  He has served three years as assessor, one term as commissioner of highways, and is now a member of the Excise Board.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1133

 

Surnames:  COLE, MARKS, STRONG, WALDRON

 

Milo COLE is a son of Casey and a grandson on Freeman COLE, of Crawford county, Pa.  The children of Casey and Nancy COLE were Amanda, Prudentia, Arvilla, Philena, Olive, Parker (a solider), Alvira, Milo, Amelia, and Bela (also a soldier).  Milo was born in Augusta, N.Y., in 1820, and married, in 1843, Eliza MARKS, of Perry, N.Y., where his father then lived; children:  Mary (Mrs. Herbert STRONG), of Friendship, N.Y.; Sidney, of Crawford county, Pa.; Alice; Amanda L. (Mrs. George S. WALDRON), of Ischua, who has children George H. and Grace E.; and William, of Bradford, Pa.  Mr. WALDRON enlisted in the 9th H.A. and fought in twenty-one battles, including the Wilderness, Harper’s Ferry, Lookout Mountain, and Gettysburg.  He captured a battle flag at Farmerstown, Pa.  Milo COLE came to Ischua in 1854 and bought 130 acres of land on which he still lives.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1133 & 1134

 

Surnames:  FARWELL, JACKSON, WRIGHT, CARMER, SHAFER, THRALL, KARN, WOOLHISER, HAMILTON

 

Abram FARWELL is a son of Abram M. Farwell, the pioneer, who was born in Fitchburg, Mass., in 1780, and settled in Ischua in 1815.  He married, in 1800, Lydia JACKSON, who was born in Brookline, Mass., in 1780.  Children:  Sarah, born in 1801; Thaddeus, 1803; John H., 1805; James, 1807; Susan, 1809; Abram, 1811; Lydia, 1813; Mary A., 1815; Adeline, 1817 (the first white girl born in Ischua); and Catharine, 1819.  Abram M. built the first saw-mill in town, was a lumberman and farmer, and died in 1868; his wife died in 1874.  Abram was reared in the pursuits his father followed and in 1835 he married Sarah, daughter of John E. WRIGHT, of German Flats, N.Y., who was born in London, Eng., in 1818.  Children:  Levi, of Ischua; Abigail, born June 13, 1838, died May 28, 1860; Jonathan, born July 22, 1840, died June 13, 1841; Clarissa A., born April 30 1843, married Evan CARMER, March 9 1887; Helen N., born July 15, 1846, married Addison SHAFER, March 13, 1874, and has one son, Abram; Jonathan D., born April 1, 1849, married Alice THRALL, Jan 1, 1872, and has two daughters, Dora and Clara; Edmund M., born March 26, 1851, died Feb. 9 1857; Ephraim M., born April 13, 1853, died Feb 9, 1857; Sophia, born March 29, 1855, married Lovinus KARN, March 9, 1882, and has children Sarah, Orrin, Levi, and Helen; Abbie, born Dec 23 1865, married Churchille WOOLHISER, Nov 3 1883, and has two children, Glen and Blanche.  All were born on the place where he now lives excepting Levi, who was born on his own farm.

 

Levi FARWELL, son of Abram and grandson of Abram M., was born in Ischua, March 21, 1836, and was reared on and now owns the farm his grandfather settled in 1815.  April 29, 1873, Levi married Frances, daughter of Amos G. HAMILTON, of Ischua; children: Sadie and Mary.  The homestead contains 350 acres and includes the side of the pioneer saw-mill.  It is the most historic farm in Ischua.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1134

 

Surnames:  FREDERICK, ROBBINS

 

John A. FREDERICK is the son of Thomas FREDERICK, who married Anna ROBBINS and settled at Port Allegany, Pa.  Children:  Matilda, Mary, George, John A., William, Adelbert, Clyde, and Kear.  John A. was born July 26, 1859, and has followed farming the past four years in Ishcua.  His father died in 1881 at Bullis Mills, Pa., where his mother now lives.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1134

 

Surnames:  GUILD, GRAVES, OWEN, PARKER, HALL, MUNGER, THOMAS, CHITTENDEN

 

William P. GUILD is a son of Horace GUILD, who was born in Chelsea, Mass., in 1794, the son of Isreal and Rhoda (GRAVES) GUILD.  John, the ancestor, was born in England in 1616 and settled in Dedham, Mass., in 1636.  Horace GUILD came to Goshen, N.Y., where he married, in 1819, Desire OWEN. Children: Alonzo and Desire.  He married, second, in 1823, Rhoda PARKER, widow of Lyman HALL, of Lima, N.Y., and in 1825 they came to Ischua.  Their children were Charles L.; Sarah A., who was born in 1826 and married William MUNGER, of Lima, in 1849, who came to Ischua and died in Michigan; Rhoda; Edmund C.; Willis M.; Harriet I.; and William P.  Horace and his brothers Joseph, Levi, and George were all mechanics in Ischua and put up many of the first frame buildings in town; they also erected a saw-mill on Ischua creek between the Farwell and Chamberlin bridges.  George was one of the builders of Amherst College.  Charles L., was a sergeant in Co. C, 154th N.Y. Vols., was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and died in the hospital.  Willis was killed at Chancellorsville.  Edmund, the third soldier brother, escaped serious injury and returned home at the close of the war.  In 1850 Horace went to California, where he worked at his trade and in the mines, receiving from $12 to $16 per day.  In 1864 he returned home and spent the remainder of his life on the farm of 100 acres which cost him $200 in 1825.He died there in 1885.  William P., his son, still owns and lives on the homestead, where he was born in 1839.  In 1863 he married Lucy M., daughter of William B. THOMAS, of Ashford; children Grace (Mrs. C.C. CHITTENDEN), of Cadillac, Mich., who has children Ralph and Robert; Charles W., a physician in Harriman, Tenn.; Glen, who died when three years old; William P.; and Bessie,who died when two years of age.  Mr. GUILD has been town collector, justice of the peace, and justice of sessions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1134

 

Surnames:  HACKETT, WILLIAMS

 

Major HACKETT early settled in Ischa on Yankee hill.  Stephen K. HACKETT, his son, was born Oct 23, 1810, and married, June 7, 1841, Mary E. WILLIAMS, of Black Creek, Allegany county, who was born March 8, 1822, and died Jan 10, 1851.  He resided in town until about 1856 when he moved to Wisconsin.  Children: Eunice L., George S., Stephen L., Mariah L., Hannah S.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1134 & 1135

 

Surnames:  HAMILTON, GARDNER, BEVERLY, FARWELL, LACEY, MOULTON, SNYDER, PROSSER

 

Amos G. HAMILTON is a son of Benjamin HAMILTON and a grandson of William HAMILTON, a Revolutionary soldier who participated in the battle of the Narrows on the Susquehanna rover and at Tioga Point, and whose father, of Scotch descent, was killed by the Indians.  Benjamin was born in Sussex county, N.J., in 1792.  He married Rachel GARDNER, and after the birth of their children Charles and Cornelius removed to Tompkins county, N.Y., where William, Phebe, Maria, Amos G., and Laurentine were born.  He afterward lived in Cattaraugus county.  Amos G. was born in 1824 in Dix, Steuben county, and in 1848 married Elizabeth L. BEVERLY, of Chemung county.  He came in 1850 to Ischua, where he bought 170 acres on Hamilton hill, paying from $3.50 to $10 per acre.  Children: Frankie D. (Mrs. Levi FARWELL); Maria (Mrs. William R. LACEY), of New Hudson, N.Y.; Mary I. (Mrs. C. F. MOULTON), who has children Louis H. and Karl T.; John G., who married Stella C. SNYDER, settled in Cuba, and has children Russell J., Roy G., Louisa L., and Ralph P.; Carrie (Mrs. J. L. PROSSER), of Duluth, Minn.; and Lottie, who died young.  Mrs. Elizabeth HAMILTON died in 1889.  She and her husband were members of the Baptist church in Cuba.  Originally a Republican, and always anti-slavery and a temperance man, he is now a Prohibitionist.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1135

 

Surnames:  HATCH, KNAPP, RATHBON, HULL, PHILLIPS, ROCKWELL, FARWELL, CHAMBERLIN, PARKER, LODER, MOSMAN

 

Charles HATCH is a son of Charles C. HATCH, who was born in Hillsdale,llsdale, N.Y., iwhence his father, John HATCH, moved in 1812 to Oxford, Chenango county.  Charles C. marred, in 1822, Anna KNAPP, of Norwich, N.Y. whose mother was a RATHBON, of Rhode Island.  Children: Charels, born in Oxford, May 26, 1823; Mary A., born in Oxford, Feb 7, 1825, now Mrs. Edwin A. HULL, of Scott’s Corners; John, born in Ischua, March 13, 1827, died in 1829; George, born in Feb 13 1829, was a Baptist minister, and died in Cherry Valley, Ohio, Oct 26, 1889; Harriet N., born Feb 25, 1831, died July 13, 1863; John R., born March 25, 1833, a blacksmith in Ashtabula county, Ohio; hiram F., born Feb 24, 1835; Eliza, born Feb 18, 1837, now Mrs. W. PHILLIPS, of Fredonia, N.y.; Washington, born March 11, 1839, of Salamanca; Sarah E., born Oct 12, 1841; a trained nurse in New York city; and Arvilla, born June 27, 1845, now Mrs. Eli ROCKWELL, of Scot’s Corners.  Charles HATCH was reared a farmer and lumberman and bought, in 1846, 100 acres of pine timber, now part of Levi FARWELL’s farm, from which he cut in four years 1,000,000 feet of lumber, which was sawed at FARWELL’s mill.  In 1857 he bought 50 acres of his present farm.  April 29, 1858, he married Candace L. CHAMBERLIN; whildren:  Judson W., of Franklinville; Orpha J. (Mrs. Burdett PARKER) of Hinsdale, who has children Judson, Roy, Earl and Pearl (twins), and Bert; Addie O. (Mrs. Arthur E. LODER), of Ischua, who has one child, Ethel; and Nellie, a school teacher in Colorado.  Mrs. HATCH died Oct 16, 1869, and Charles marredd, second, Mary A. MOSMAN, Oct 18, 1870; children: Charles C., Grace (a school teacher), and Ray.  Mr. HATCH was highway commissioner when the most important iron bridges in town were built.  Originally a Republican he has taken the New York Tribune over thirty years, but is now a pronounced advocate of Farmers’ Alliance views.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1135 & 1136

 

Surnames:  HIBNER, PARKER, CARPENTER, FITCH, SEWARD, FRENCH, LOWE

 

David HIBNER, father of Michael HIBNER, was born in Germany and settled in Peeksill, N.Y.  David studied medicine, learned carving and gilding in New York city, and settled in Lima, N.Y., where he married Susanna PARKER, of Bloomfield, N.Y.  Children:  Michael, Joseph, David, Philip, William, George, Elsie (Mrs. Fredercik CARPENTER), and Betsey.  Joseph HIBNER, born in Penfield, N.Y., in 1814, came to Ishcua with his father in 1825, the latter being one of the first settlers on Yankee hill.  The son still lives on the homestead.  In 1840 he married Aseneth FITCH.  Ameilia, the eldest of their two children, married Elam T. SEWARD, of Ischua.  Dayton M., born in 1854, married Eliza, daughter of David HIBNER, and remains with his father, a farmer.  Mrs. Joseph HIBNER died in 1865 and his second wife was Angeline FRENCH; children Dayton and Angie (Mrs. A. LOWE).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1136

 

Surnames:  HOAG, WOOD, AYNES, VINCENT, MALLORY

 

Samuel W. HOAG is a son of Elisha HOAG, who was born in Lansing, N.Y., in 1807, and who came to Lyndon in 1831, where he married Anna WOOD the same year.  Children:  Elija, of Lyndon; Phebe A. (Mrs. Uriah C. AYNES), of Dakota; Samuel W.; Israel, of Ischua; and John O., who married Margaret VINCENT, and lives in Cuba, N.Y.  Elisha HOAG was active in military affairs, holding a lieutenant’s commission, and was an assessor nine years.  He died in 1892 and his wife in 1864.  Samuel W. HOAG was born in Lyndon in 1836, left home in 1856, and worked by the month at farming six years.  In 1864 he enlisted in the 13th N.Y.H.A. and served six months in Virginia, six months in North Carolina, and three at Portsmouth, Va.  His brother John O. was in the same regiment.  Returning home he married, in 1867, Mary L., daughter of Simon C. MALLORY, of Ishcua.  They first settled in Rushford, N.Y., removing to Ishcua in 1871, and purchasing his present farm of 219 acres in 1883.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1136

 

Surnames:  ISAMON, GROSS, LAVARNEY

 

William Henry ISAMON is a son of George and a grandson of John ISAMON of Allegany county, N.Y.  George ISAMON married Catharine GROSS, by whom he had ten children.  His son William Henry came to Ischua in 1869, and in 1877 married Fannie LAVARNEY.  Children:  Maud C., Emmet M., and Charles H. W.  Mr. ISAMON is a farmer on Dutch hill and has belonged to the Farmers’ Alliance since its organization; before that, he was a Greenbacker.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1136

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, WILLIAMS, DAUCHY, ROAT, BURLINGAME

 

Deforest E. JOHNSON, born in Lapier, N.Y., in 1860, came with his father to Ischua in 1871, where he married Mamie, daughter of George P. WILLIAMS, in 1884.  They have two children:  Lloyd and Ralph.  In 1886 he settled in Hinsdale and kept a meat market two years, when he built his present store and added a stock of general merchandize.  Mr. JOHNSON is also town clerk.  His father, Harris JOHNSON, resides in Ischua.  Harris’s grandfather was Harris JOHNSON, of Burlington, N.Y., where his father, also named Harries, was born in 1802 and married Lucy C. DAUCHY in 1824; children:  Lodusky G., Thomas D., Lucy E., Walter R., and Harris.  The latter was born in 1835 and married Emily ROAT, of Broome county, N.Y., in 1857.  They settled in Lapier, N.Y., and came to Lyndon in 1865 and to Ischua in 1871, buying their present farm of 512 acres in 1880.  They now keep a dairy of 80 cows.  The winter Mr. JOHNSON was married he chopped in the town on Virgil 200 cords of wood for thirty-one cents a cord –cutting ten cords of hemlock wood in two days.  In 1877 he went to Bradford, Pa., and run a store for a while.  Harris and Emily JOHNSON have three children: Deforest E., Flora M. (Mrs. Berdell BURLINGAME, whose children are Harris and Ina F.), and Fannie E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1136

 

Surnames:  KENFIELD, STREETER, ALLEN, MORGAN, WILLIAMS, DEELEY

 

Solomon KENFIELD, son of John was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 4, 1822.  His father moved to Camden, N.Y., and thence to Naples, N.Y., where he married Ruth STREETER in 1844.  In Nov. 1845, he moved to Ischua and settled on the farm now owned by M.A. KENFIELD, his son.  Children:  Felton, a farmer adjoining the homestead; Lucinda R.L. (Mrs. William ALLEN), of Farmersvile; and M.A. The latter was born Aug. 20, 1847.  Sept. 1, 1868, he married Lydia J., daughter of S. R. and Prudenda A. (MORGAN) WILLIAMS, and settled on the homestead, which he now owns.  Children:  Lucy L. (Mrs. J. DEELEY), Emma O., John S., and Harriet L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1136 & 1137

 

Surnames:  LA FEVER, COWDRY, DENSMORE, BADGER

 

Frank D. LA FEVER is a son of John J., whose father was Deacon L. F. LA FEVER, of Dundee, N.Y.  John J. LA FEVER came to Cattaraugus county about 1820 and settled at Haskel flats.  He married Maria COWDRY, of Geneva, N.Y.  Children:  Samuel, Frank D., George, Mortimer, Sarah, and Louisa.  He was a farmer and for several years opened his house for a hotel.  About the close of the war he came to Ischua and bought Anson DENSMORE's hotel, which he kept till his death in 1872.  It is now the property of his son Frank D.  Frank D. LA FEVER was born in Hinsdale in 1836 and was reared on a farm.  In 1864 he went on the road selling door bells, which he followed tillt he death of his father, when he closed the hotel and opened the grocery and story business which he has followed for twety-five years.  He is serving his second year as postmaster.  He married, in 1873, Susie, daughter of L. BADGER, of Allegany;  children:  Bertha, Josephine (deceased), and Frances.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1137

 

Surnames:  LEARN, MOYER, SHAFER, BABCOCK, SHERLOCK, OSGOOD, WILBER

 

Thomas LEARN is a son of Jacob and the grandson of John LEARN, who was born in Northampton county, Pa., and lived near the Pocono mountains, twenty miles from Easton, where his father and an uncle were killed by the Indians during the Revolutionary war.  Jacob LEARN, who was born in 1793 and served in the War of 1812, married Catharine MOYER; children:  Thomas, Lavina, John, Peter, Margaret, Jacob, Reuben, Alburtus, and Morris.  All were born in Ischua except Thomas and Lavina.   Jacob and his brother George came to Ischua in 1823 and were the first settlers on Dutch hill.  Thomas LEARN was born in 1819, and was reared a farmer and lumberman.  In 1844 he married Rachel, daughter of James SHAFER, of Cuba, N.Y., and has settled in Hinsdale.  Children:  Joseph L., who marrried Sarah BABCOCK and has children Ernest E. and Rosa A.; John R.; Peter J., who married Esther SHERLOCK; Edwin A.;Walter L., who married Elizabeth OSGOOD and has children Daisy, Lulu M., Robert, and Harrison; Florence (Mrs. Thomas SHAFER), who has one child, Guy C.; and William C., who married Hattie WILBER, lives in Humphrey, and has children Glen W., Clavin T., Clyde, Nellie, Lena, and Florence M.  Thomas LEARN enlisted in the Civil war in 1861, served under McClellan, and lost his right arm in the battle of Seven Pines.  He was discharged in 1862.  His son Joseph L. went to the front after his father was siabled and served through the war, receiving a gun-shot wound in his nect in a cavalry charge.  Thomas LEARN also had three brothers in the war – Jacob (who died in New Orleans), Morris, and John.  Mr. LEARN lived in Olean and peddled Glassware, clothing, dry goods, and silks twenty years.  One day near Keating, Pa. himself and his son John R., each with a wagon of valuable goods, were attacked in a piece of woods by three robbers.  Thomas knocked two of them down with a stone and the third ran into the woods.  Mr. LEARN has a farm of 300 acres, has been town collector, and sold plows over ten years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1137 & 1138

 

Surnames:  LEARN, SPRIGGLE, COOPER, MORRIS, YATES, QUINBY, SMILEY

 

Nathan B. LEARN is a son of George LEARN, one of the pioneers who cut the first road from Ischua to Dutch hill in 1823, having only one dollar in molney and his team when he settled there on the farm his son now owns.  George LEARN married Fanny SPRIGGLE; children:  Samuel, Evan, Nathan B., Joseph, Mary A., Fanny, and Lydia.  Nathan B. was born in 1830.  In 1855 he married Orvilla, daughter of David COOPER, of HInsdale, and settled in Humphrey.  Children:  Orlando C., who married Rosalie MORRIS; Enda A. (Mrs. Leander YATES), of Ischua, who has children Mabel and Lewis; Emmet G., who married Lou QUINBY and has one child Maud;Clara (Mrs. C. G. SMILEY), of Olean, shoe children are Glessner A. and Granger M.; and Edgar E., sho married Rosa A., daughter of Joseph LEARN.  Mr. LEARN has a couple of old-time relics of rare interest: one is a powerful steel bear trap still in working order, the other a well preserved anvil which weighs 236 pounds and has the date 1749 on its side.  Both were brought by his father from Pennsylvania.  While in Humphrey Mr. LEARN, a Democrat in politics, served four years as collector and four years as assessor, and since his removal to Ischua in 1860 has been highway commissioner, justice of the peace, and assessor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1138

 

Surnames:  LINDERMAN, WHITLOCK, SEARL, CONRAD

 

Alonzo LINDERMAN is the son of Nicholas LINDERMAN, who came about 1833 from Tompkins county, N.Y., to Humphrey, and settled on Bozard hill, where he died in 1887, aged eighty-four.  He married Rebecca WHITLOCK of Ithaca, N.Y.; children John, Ezekiel, Orson, Alonzo, Mary, Lester, and Emma and Addie (twins).  Alonzo was born in 1838 and married, in 1865, Lucinda, daughter of Jacob SEARL, of Franklinville, when he bought the farm and settled where he now lives, on the Five Mile tract.  Lewelon, their oldest child, married Nancy CONRAD, and is now in Oswego, N.Y.  The four younger children, Ora A., Edgar, Frank, and Merton, are at home.  In 1891, Mr. LINDERMAN built on his farm a steam saw-mill of thrity five horse-power, in which are three circular saws and a shingle-mill.  This is the only saw-mill in Ischua and cuts 200,000 feet of lumber per year.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1138

 

Surnames:  MALLORY, McNALL, TAYLOR

 

Charles L. MALLORY is a son of Simon C. MALLORY, who was born in Hillsdale, N.Y., in 1804, and came to Franklinville in 1815 with his father, who was a lumberman, and who died in Cincinnati, where he had gone with a raft.  Simon C. married, in 1828, Sophronia McNALL; children Melissa, John O., Sarah A., Sanford S., Edwin W., Charles L., Mary L., Candis and Lydia M.  He came to Ishcua in 1836 and in 1846 belonged to the first board of town assessors.  He bought a farm on Yankee hill, which now belongs to his son, Charles L. MALLORY.  The latter was born in 1840 and became a carpenter as well as a farmer, and has been a contractor and builder in this and adjoining towns till within the past three years.  In 1889 he bought his present farm of 139 acres in the village.  His house was burned in 1890, when he immediately built his present dwelling.  Mr. MALLORY married, in 1883, Anna, daughter of John TAYLOR, of Ischua.  Children:  Charlie L., Ira S., Lloyd, Bert E., Cecil E., and Hazel G.  He was highway commissioner in 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1138 & 1139

 

Surnames:  MORRIS, TOMPKINS, LEARN, FITCH

 

Andrew J. MORRIS is the son of Thomas MORRIS, who was born in Franklinville in 1812, whose father, Thomas MORRIS, then a merchant, was appointed judge by Gov. Daniel D. TOMPKINS about 1814, and was supervisor in 1881 and 1819.  Thomas, Jr., was reared a farmer, and settled in Ischua on the place now owned by Eldridge MORRIS in 1833.  He married Fanny, daughter of John LEARN; children John, Louisa, Andrew J., and Eldridge.  Andrew J. was born in Ischua in 1849 and in 1872 built a steam saw and shingle-mill on the homestead and run it six years.  In 1882 he exchanged the works for those of greater capacity and built, in company with Frank FITCH, a new saw and grist-mill at Humphrey’s switch, buying his partner’s interest the next year and adding planning and matching machinery.  In 1889 he exchanged with Frank FITCH the mill property for his present farm of 197 acres in Franklinville.  They have one child, Mabel A.  Besides his farming interest, Mr. MORRIS deals in Lumber and live stock.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1139

 

Surnames:  MORRIS, RAUB, LEARN, BARNARD, MILLER, McCLUNE

 

William M. MORRIS, who lives at the head of the Five Mile tract, is a son of Neely MORRIS, whose father, Thomas MORRIS, settled as a merchant in Franklinville about 1810, and whose children were John, born in 1802; Esther, 1804; Neely, 1807; Eli, 1809; Thomas, 1812; and Sarah, 1814.  Judge MORRIS moved to Ischua in 1825 and settled on land now the property and home of his grandson William M.  Neely MORRIS married Elizabeth RAUB, who was born in New Jersey in 1799, and settled on the home farm.  Children: Cordelia, born 1830, married Miles J. LEARN; John, born 1831, died young; Eli, born 1833; William M., born in 1835; Mary, born in 1839, married James BARNARD; and Melvin, deceased.  William M. MORRIS married, in 1855, Emeline, daughter of Peter MILLER, of Hinsdale.  They have one child, Rosalia, born in 1856, who married Orlando C. LEARN in 1888 and has children Clifford and Baby.

 

Eldridge MORRIS is the grandson of Judge Thomas MORRIS, the pioneer.  His father, Thomas MORRIS, settled on the farm Eldridge now owns.  The latter was born in Ischua in 1851.  In 1880 he married Hannah, daughter of Julius A. McCLUNE; children: Ceorge E., ArthurJ., Ada M., Mamie V., and Sarah.  His mother died in 1889 and his father in 1890.  Julius A. McCLUNE, Mrs. MORRIS’ s father, was a soldier under General BANKS, in the Rebellion.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1139

 

Surnames:  NICHOLS, IRELAND, PIKE, WICKWIRE, GILBERT

 

Richmond S. NICHOLS is a son of James NICHOLS, who came from Vermont to Chenango county, N.Y., and married Mary IRELAND.  Richmond S., their fifth child, was born in 1834, came to Ischua in 1867, and was a farmer.  He married Eliza PIKE, his first wife, in 1861, and Sarah E. WICKWIRE, his second, in 1871.  Children:  Charles B., Grace, and Robert R.  In 1885 he married, third, Flora GILBERT.  He opened a hotel in Ischua in 1876 and in 1878 built the hotel he has since occupied.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1139

 

Surnames:  OTTO, STICKLAND, EMERY

 

Howard OTTO is a son of Silas P. OTTO and a grandson of Joseph OTTO, of Farmer’s Valley, Pa.  Silas P., a general wood worker and painter, came to Ischua in 1835 and married Hannah STICKLAND, of Lyndon; children:  Sartwell, Joseph, Emma, Amelia, and Howard.  The latter was born in 1847 and when sixteen enlisted in Co. K, 22d N.Y. Cav., serving in the Shenandoah valley.  He was in the battles from Winchester to Cedar Creek, was on the left of the turnpike helping to stop stragglers when General Sheridan arrived there the day of his famous ride, was in the fight at Waynesborough, when the Second Brigade captured 1,300 rebels, and saw General Sheridan throw his arms around Custer in admiration of his splendid work.  He was discharged in Aug., 1865.  In 1870 he married Rose, daughter of Daniel EMERY, of Belfast, N.Y.  Children:  Burna and Jessie.  Mr. OTTO came to Abbott’s in 1877, where he has been a merchant since 1880 and postmaster since 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1139

 

Surnames:  PATTERSON, LEWIS, WILLIAMS

 

Gideon L. PATTERSON is a son of Porter and a grandson of Joseph PATTERSON, a soldier in the War of 1812, who came from Whitehall, Washington  county, to Lyndon in 1816, where his son Porter was born that year.  Porter married Abigail LEWIS; children: Joseph (a solider, who died at Elmira, N.Y.); Isaac A. (who died in Andersonville prison), Gideon L., Jeptha D., Bethiah, Phebe L., Abigail (Mrs. George WILLIAMS), Laura, John W., Justus G., and Aaron A.  Gideon L. PATTERSON was born in 1844 and enlisted in 1862 in Co. K, 136th N.Y. Vols.  He was in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and then fought in seventeen engagements under General Thomas.  Since the war he has been a painter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1139 & 1140

 

Surnames:  RAUB, SWARTZ, MOTT, GRIMES, LEARN

 

Peter RAUB, living in the town of Hinsdale, near the south line of Ischua, is the son of Joseph RAUB, who came from New Jersey to Cattaraugus county about 1826 and settled near the Free Methodist church in Ischua.  He married Anna SWARTZ; children:  Peter, George W., Mary E (Mrs. Stephen A. MOTT), of Olean, and George W.  The latter married Catharine GRIMES and lives in Greenville, Mich.  Peter was reared a farmer and married Fanny S., daughter of George LEARN; children:  Olive C., who died aged five years, and Lillie, who lived to be twenty-two years old.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1140

 

Surnames:  SEWARD, TOWNSEND, LEWIS, HIBNER

 

Elam T. SEWARD, son of Alpheus and grandson of Elam SEWARD, of Orange county, N.Y., was born in Indian Town, Ill., in 1843, where his father, who was born in 1810, died in 1846.  His mother, born in Salem, Mass., who was Allie TOWNSEND before her marriage in 1832, came with her two sons, Tilly G. and Elam T., to Ishcua soon after her husband’s death, where she married Abram LEWIS in 1854.  They had one child, Frank.  Tilly G. died at the age of twenty-six.  Elam T. followed farming until 1876, when he opened his present blacksmith shop.  He married, in 1865, Aurelia, daughter of David HIBNER, of Ischua.  Children:  Neoloa, Lena H. (Mrs. Claude F. TOWNSEND), Emma A., and Tilly A.  The latter has learned the blacksmith’s trade and works with his father.  Mr. SEWARD as a Democrat was elected highway commissioner in 1877 and held that office five years.  He was excise commissioner three years and was elected supervisor in 1881, 1891, and 1892.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1140

 

Surnames:  TERRY, HAWLEY, TICNOR, MORRIS, LEWIS

 

William Riley TERRY is a son of Elisha and a grandson of Freeman TERRY, of Terryville, Conn., whose father was a minister and lost his life as a soldier in the Revolutionary war when Freeman was eight years old.  Freeman came to Homer, N.Y., where Elisha was born in 1802.  In 1825 Elisha TERRY came to Ischua and settled on Dutch hill.  His wife was Amy HAWLEY, of Homer; children:  Jane, Caroline, Elmira, Ransom, and Zell.  William R. was born in 1829, in Franklinville, and in 1859 married Rebecca A. ADAMS; children:  Willie, Elisha, and Ella (Mrs. J. C. TICNOR).  He married, second, in 1881, Mrs. Belle (MORRIS) LEWIS.  They have one child, Annie Belle.  Mr. TERRY’S farm of 380 acres cost him $25 per acre in 1868.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1140

 

Surnames:  THORNTON, STEWART, OSGOOD, DENSMORE, CHASE, WILLIAMS, MOON

 

Lyman is a son of Alonzo R. THORNTON, who came from Waterloo, N.Y., and  married Phebe STEWART, of Yorkshire.  Phebe, their only child, married Stephen OSGOOD, of Ischua.  Mr. THORNTON’s second wife, Adeline, was a sister of his first; children:  Lucy, Melinda, Lyman M., Zylpha A., and John.  Alonzo was a shoemaker in Ischua many years and died here in 1886.  Lyman M. was born in Yorkshire in 1846.  He enlisted in 1862 in the 154th N.Y. Vols. and was in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Lookout Mountain.  Soon after the latter he was taken sick.  At the close of the war he bought the ashery of Anson DENSMORE, run it a year, and sold it.  In 1865 he married Delina A., daughter of James CHASE, of Lyndon; children:  Frank C., of Ischua; Mildred (Mrs. Morris D. WILLIAMS), of Salamanca; and Fred G.  Mrs. THORNTON died in 1874 and he married, second, Mrs. Ann E. MOON, whose son Archie D., has been his partner in general mercantile business for several years under the firm name of A. D. MOON & Co.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1140

 

Surnames:  TOWNSEND, PAGE, BACON, BROWN, SHERWIN, PATTERSON, SEWARD

 

Benjamin C. TOWNSEND is a son of Benjamin and a grandson of Isaac TOWNSEND, who came from Massachusetts to Attica, NY, in 1796, where he was a tanner, merchant, miller and brickmaker.  He died in 1843.  His son Benjamin was born in New Salem, Mass., in 1777, and married there Ada PAGE.  They came to Attica in 1826 and thence to Ischua in 1829.  Here he was the first brickmaker in town. He died in 1856 and his wife in 1868.  Children:  Zebina, Philo, Sally, Chester P., Sophia, Marilla, and Benjamin C.  The latter was born in New Salem , Mass., in 1821, and was reared a farmer and brickmaker.  He was a trader from 1866 to 1872.  In 1852 he was elected justice of the peace and served twenty-four consecutive years, and one term since; he has been town clerk, supervisor, and postmaster several terms --twenty years in all.  In 1852 B. C. TOWNSEND married Hestyra, daughter of Benjamin BACON, of Friendship; children:  Annie (Mrs. Frank BROWN), who has one child Clara; Clara and Chester, who died young; Cora (Mrs. Fred D. SHERWIN); and Claude F., who was born in 1863.  Claude F. became a telegraph operator, which he followed twelve years at various offices on the Western New York & Pennsylvania railroad, the last seven years at Chaffee, where he was also agent.  In 1872 he bought G.L. PATTERSON's hardware business in Ishcua and still conducts it.  In 1886 he married Lena H., daughter of E.T. SEWARD of Ischua.  They have one child, Ethel.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1141

 

Surnames:  TROWBRIDGE, SACKETT, WHITLOCK, SHIPMAN, MATHEWSON, CHASE, MYRICK, BARBER

 

Alpheus M. TROWBRIDGE is a son of Dr. James TROWBRIDGE (see page 137), who was born in Worcester, Mass., in 1795, and whose father's name was William.  Dr. TROWBRIDGE came to Franklinville in 1817 and later to Ischua, being the first physician and the first school master in town.  He married Olive SACKETT, of Connecticut; children:  Clarissa, Achsah, James, William, Charles, Alpheus M., Eliza, Edwin, and Adner.  He moved from Ischua to Hinsdale and from there in 1829 to Ohio, thence to Spring Prairie, Wis., where he died in 1849.  Alpheus M. was born in Little Valley, NY, in 1828.  In 1853 he married Elizabeth WHITLOCK and settled in Ischua.  Children:  Francelia (Mrs. William SHIPMAN), of Humphrey; Alice (Mrs. Edwin SHIPMAN); Edwin, who married Rosa MATHEWSON; Charles, who died when twenty-seven years old; and Albert, who married, in 1886, Nettie CHASE; children: GuyA. And Walter C.  Mrs. TROWBRIDGE died in 1890, and Mr. TROWBRIDGE married, second, Mrs. Caroline MYRICK, daughter of Caleb BARBER, of Ishuca.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1141

 

Surnames:  WASHBURN; CHAMBERLAIN; WING; BENNETT; WALLACE

 

Calvin T. WASHBURN is a son of Ira WAHSBURN, whose father lived in Vermont and served in the Revolutionary war.  Ira WASHBURN settled in Vandalia in this county as a lumberman.  He married an adopted daughter of Benjamin CHAMBERLAIN, the father of Judge CHAMBERLAIN; children:  Lucy (Mrs. WING), of Hinsdale; Calvin T.; Sarah; George; and Eunice--all born in Vandalia.  Calvin T., who was born in 1834, married Carrie BENNETT in 1860, and settled in Cuba, NY.  George WALLACE, their eldest child, is now a miner of large experience in British columbia, and Charles O., the next, is a miner in the State of Washington.  The two younger children, Calvin T. and John, are at home.  Mr. WASHBURN came to Ischua in 1876 and ticket as assessor and served by re-elections fifteen consecutive years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Page 1141

 

Surnames:  WILBUR, BENTON, ALLEN, MUNSELL, WAGNER, WOOD, SHERLOCK, WILBUR, SHERWOOD, CARPENTER

 

William H. WILBUR is a son of Abner and Abigail (BENTON) WILBUR and a grandson of Joseph WILBUR, who came from Connecticut (where he was born in 1781) to Cortland County, N.Y. and thence to Ischua in 1850, where he died in 1865.  Abner WILBUR was born in 1802 and married Miss ALLEN, of Cortland county.  His second wife was Mrs. Abigail B. MUNSELL; children: Isaac, deceased; Clarissa (Mrs. Charles WAGNER); William H.; Thomas C., a veteran soldier and now a blacksmith at Abbott's; Chauncey C., a soldier who died in 1865; Mary M. (Mrs. William SHERLOCK); and Arthur L.  The latter, born in Willet, Cortland county, in 1847, married, in 1865, Hannah J., daughter of Samuel D. WOOD, of Ischua; children: George H. and Willie H.  William H. WILBUR was born in Willet,N.Y. in 1836, and is now a farmer on the homestead in Ischua.  He marred, in 1893, Mrs. Ruth  E. SHERWOOD, daughter of Frederick CARPENTER, of Ischua.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Ischua – Chapter XLIX (49)

Pages 1141 & 1142

 

Surnames:  WILLSON, FITCH, ADAMS, ROBINSON

 

Mrs. A.E. WILLSON is the widow of Adelbert WILLSON, whose father, Kniffen WILLSON, was born in 1785 and came in 1831 from New Berlin, N.Y., to Ischua.  He bought there a half section of land and another half section in Hinsdale.  Kniffen was a pioneer in that part of the town.  He gave the land for theWillson cemetery, in which his remains were interred, and the lost for the school house just west of it, known as the Willson district.  Kniffen married, first, when about twenty years old.  His first child, Nehemiah, was born in 1806; his other children were Caroline, Mary, Narcissa E., Benjamin, David, Marinda, Susanna, Nelson, and Ruth M.  His second wife was Hannah FITCH; children: Charlotte, Durand F., Urben, Adelbert, Urben K., Ambrosia H., and Le Grand D.   Adelbert was born in Ischua in 1841 and married, in 1867, Anna E., daughter of John C. ADAMS, of Cuba, N.Y.  John C. ADAMS was a son of Prosper ADAMS, of Portage, N.Y., whose father, Jesse ADAMS, of Pawlet, Vt., was a Revolutionary soldier.  Mrs. WILLSON's mother, Eunice F. ROBINSON, was the grandaughter of Capt. Ephraim ROBINSON, also of the Revolutionary army.  The children of Adelbert and Anna E. WILLSON were: Qunicy A., born in 1872, now manager of the farm and the WILLSON cheese factories; urben J., born in 1872, died young; and Lucy A., born in 1885, died when one year old.  Adelbert WILLSON died in 1885.

 

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TOWN OF LEON

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 752

 

Surnames:  ACKLER, RANDALL, FRANKLIN, HUNT

 

Peter ACKLER, a native of Germany, came to Persia while young and died there at an advanced age.  His children were Peter M., Willard, Henry, Roxana, Betsey, and Keziah.  Peter M. ACKLER, born in Persia, as were also his brothers and sisters, came to Leon in 1870.  He married Mittie RANDALL; children: Albert, Prentice D., Alden, and Eldredge.  Mr. ACKLER married, second, Claircena FRANKLIN; children: Earl and Lemuel J.  Eldredge ACKLER was born April 8, 1863, and June 25, 1890, married Lucy J. HUNT, of Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 752

 

Surname:  AMADON

 

Rev. Ezra AMADON was born in Berkshire county, Mass., about 1760 and removed to Bennington county, Vt., about 1800.  There he was one of the moving spirits and original founders of the Reformed Methodist denomination in America, establishing a church of that faith at Readsboro in 1814.  He came to Leon in February, 1822, and was the first to start the movement for the organization of a Reformed Methodist church in the town, forming a body of that belief in the spring of 1823.  He moved to Waupun, Wis., in 1853, where he died about 1860; his family all removed to Wisconsin except Ezra, his son, who died here in 1884, leaving a son, George, now living in Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 752

 

Surnames: BARTON, FAIRFIELD

 

David BARTON, born in Massachusetts, March 2, 1768, came to Leon at an early day, cleared a farm, and died Feb. 16, 1850.  His wife was Susanna FAIRFIELD, a native of Massachusetts, and their children were David J., Grosvenor, Elizabeth B., Susan, Lucinda, Elliburgh, Zenas, Hiram, Thaddeus F., and Laura.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 752

 

Surname:  BARTON

 

Fry BARTON came to Leon in 1830.  He was a son of Benjamin BARTON, a soldier of the Revolution.  Fry settled near Leon village, on a farm, and died in 1872.  His son Ara was supervisor of the town in 1855 and 1856, and was otherwise prominent in local political and social affairs.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 752

 

Surnames:  CANEEN, COOPER

 

Stephen CANEEN was born in the Isle of Man and came to Black Rock, N. Y., in 1824, where he died.  His son Thomas was born in 1826 and came to Leon in 1832, where he married Dolly COOPER, daughter of Elisha COOPER; children: Dr. John E. (see page 141), Rose, and Frank D.  Mr. CANEEN has been a general merchant in Leon since 1869.  He has held various town offices, being postmaster, assessor, town clerk, and collector several years each, and in 1871 and 1872 represented the town on the Board of Supervisors.  His son Frank D. was also supervisor in 1887 and 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Pages 752 & 753

 

Surnames:  CASTEN, GATES, WHEELER, BEARDSLEY, WAITE, WATSON

 

James CASTEN was a son of John and Jerusha (GATES) CASTEN.  John CASTEN served in the Revolutionary war and by trade was a tailor.  He came to Collins, Erie county, where he died in 1843.  James CASTEN, his son, was born Sept. 25, 1801.  In 1851 he became a resident of Leon and represented the town on the Board of Supervisors in 1857 and 1858.  He died on the CASTEN homestead March 3, 1888.  Mr. CASTEN married Amanda WHEELER, who was born July 16, 1802, and died Jan. 13, 1887; children: Ann R. (Mrs. S. W. BEARDSLEY), James W., John G., Ira L., Emily A. (Mrs. Butler R. WAITE), Mary J. (Mrs. W. H. WATSON), William H., Eunice, and Stephen W.  William H. served in Co. B, 154th N.Y. Vols., and died July 4, 1865.  Stephen W. died Oct. 4, 1887, and James W. on Nov. 20, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 753

 

Surnames:  CLARK, HUDSON, MARSH, SHANNON, KELLOGG, HUNT

 

William CLARK, a soldier in the war of the Revolution, came to Leon in 1831, but one year later removed to Cherry Creek, N. Y., where he died about 1840.  His wife was Abigail HUDSON, who died before the family's removal to western New York.  His son Hudson, born Jan. 27, 1784, married, in May, 1810, Lucy MARSH, and died in Cherry Creek in 1847.  His children were Leonard, Mary, Luther, Betsey, Adolphus, and Rebecca.  Leonard CLARK, on Jan. 19, 1832, married Hannah SHANNON, who died March 30, 1862; children: Lucy R., Mariah L., Edward W., James W., and Alexina.  Edward W. CLARK married Martha R. KELLOGG; children: Henry E. and Ray Belle.  For his second wife he married Annie HUNT; children: Clyde C. and M. Leonard.  He enlisted Oct.1, 1861, in Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols., as a musician.  Leonard CLARK served as justice of the peace twelve years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 753

 

Surnames:  COOK, SHAW, WARES, BIERCE, PIERCE

 

Lemuel COOK, born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., came to Perrysburg in 1837, where he died, as did also his wife, whose maiden name was Phebe SHAW.  Their son Noah married Annie, daughter of Rufus WARES, who died in 1881; he is now living in Leon.  Children: Phebe, Joel G., Elisha H., Eloda, Myron J., and Marvin W.  Myron J. COOK, born in Perrysburg, Dec. 10, 1840, married, March 9, 1870, Melissa, daughter of E. BIERCE (Ed. This may be a misprint for PIERCE); children: Noah C., Annie B., and Marmaduke.  Mr. COOK is now a farmer in Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 753

 

Surnames:  COOK, PHILLIPS, POTTER

 

Col. Sylvenus COOK was born in Tinmouth, Vt., and in 1813 came to Collins, Erie county, where he died in 1883.  He was an active participant in the old State militia, whence he derived his title, being commissioned colonel of the 198th Regiment along in the thirties.  His wife was Nancy PHILLIPS.  Their son Chauncey, born Aug. 5, 1840, married Melissa T. POTTER, and died in Leon, Feb. 15, 1891; children: Elmer, Ward A., Eva L., and Elton A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 753

 

Surnames:  COOPER, DYE

 

Ezra W. COOPER was at the time of his death, which occurred at Gowanda on March 5, 1893, one of the oldest pioneers of Leon, and was a man universally respected.  He was supervisor of the town in 1850, 1851, and 1852; he was an upright man, and a Mason in all the name implies.  His father, Nathaniel COOPER, came into Leon in 1821 and with Daniel DYE articled the whole of lot 45.  He died June 26, 1855.  Elisha COOPER, a brother of Nathaniel, was also an early settler of this town, where he died.  John COOPER was and for eight years – 1834, 1836, 1840-44, and 1853 – town supervisor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 753

 

Surnames:  DAMON, WITHINGTON, ALDRICH, FENTON

 

Edmond DAMON, son of Charles and Lucretia (WITHINGTON) DAMON, was born in Vermont, May 22, 1816, and came to Ellicottville in 1839 and to Conewango in 1854, settling on the farm upon which he now resides.  He married Achsah ALDRICH, of Canton, N. Y.; children: Melzer, Arathusa L. (Mrs. William T. FENTON), and Hiram A.  Mr. DAMON has been a man of remarkable perseverance and energy.  Several of his children are married and have families, and all are highly respected.  Hiram A. resides in Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Pages 753 & 754

 

Surname:  DUDLEY

 

Edmund DUDLEY came in the spring of 1819 to Leon, where he died at the age of ninety-two years.  He was a wood mechanic and chair maker, and reared a family of seven children, of whom Edward was the first white child born in the town, his birth occurring July 26, 1820.  Mr. DUDLEY was the first to article a piece of land in Leon, his selection failing on a part of lot 41, on which he built a shanty.  He articled the land of the Holland Land Company in the fall of 1819, at Ellicottville, exchanging for it half a barrel of whisky, which was half the quantity he had with him at the time.  He sold his land in 1843 and finally died in Rutledge.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 754

 

Surnames:  DURFEE, HOLLMAN, CHENEY, KOUNTZ, HIX, GOODRICH

 

John DURFEE was born near Providence, R. I., and for a time was a resident of Tolland, Conn., and of Schoharie county, N. Y.  He subsequently removed to Chautauqua county, where he died in 1817.  His children were Robert, Rhoda, Abner, John, David, Zephaniah, and Otis L.  Robert DURFEE came to Mayville, N. Y., in 1812, removing thence to Leon in 1819 where he cleared a farm and died in December, 1859.  He was in the War of 1812.  Otis L. DURFEE came to this town in 1820, but subsequently removed to Pennsylvania and became a Baptist clergyman.  Robert married Betsey HOLLMAN, who bore him one daughter, Abigail; his second wife was Polly CHENEY, who died in Leon in 1840, his children by her being Edwin C., Willard P., Cornelia M., and Elvira L.  Edwin C. DURFEE was born Dec. 20, 1819, and married Mary Ann KOUNTZ, who was born Aug. 1, 1822; children: Robert E., Mary H., Helen, Charles E., and Bertha.  Mr. DURFEE is one of the oldest and most respected residents of the county.  He was especially active in the cause of the soldiers and their widows of the Revolutionary and Mexican wars and the War of 1812, and prior to 1860 procured many bounties and pensions for those in the western part of the county.  In politics he has been prominent, serving his town in several minor capacities and as supervisor in 1862, 1863, and 1864.  He was influential in securing recruits for the town's quota in the Rebellion, and during most of the time since the war he has filled the office of justice of the peace.  He is a land surveyor and farmer, and resides on the homestead.

 

Abner DURFEE, son of John, came to Leon in 1848, settling on a farm where he died Sept. 1, 1866.  His wife was Ellathear HIX, who died in 1849; children: Chase, Coomer, Olive, Abner, Melinda, Joseph, Nancy, and Joseph P.  Joseph P. DURFEE, born April 12, 1820, married, in 1857, Cybelia C. GOODRICH, and their children are Seymour, Eliza, Elmer, Mary, Chloe, Edwin, and Ada.  Mr. DURFEE was a prominent farmer and resident of Leon; living on the farm where he settled in 1848, where he died Feb. 13, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 754

 

Surnames:  DYE, WELLS, HODGES

 

George W. DYE, son of Elisha, married, Nov. 25, 1865, Mrs. Lucinda WELLS, daughter of Abram HODGES (q. v.), who survives him, his death occurring in Leon, July 19, 1880.  He enlisted in the 9th N. Y. Cav. in the Rebellion.  His children were Elmer, Nettie G., Mary B., Blanch, Hattie, and Herman.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 754

 

Surnames:  FAIRBANKS, CHAPMAN, BLANCHARD, LOWRY, JOHNSON

 

John FAIRBANKS, a native of Berkshire county, Mass., and a resident of Vermont and of Pompey, N. Y., came to Conewango as a farmer and died about 1836.  His children were Joshua, John, Ellis, Caleb, Theophilus, Freeman, Freeborn, Fletcher, Elijah J., Joseph, Alfred, Experience, and Susan.  Caleb married Rhoda CHAPMAN and both died in Wisconsin; children: Elmer, Caleb, Ellis, Esther, Rosanna, and Josephine.  Of these, Ellis FAIRBANKS was born in Leon, Feb. 5, 1824; he married Lucinda J. BLANCHARD and has one daughter, Julia, who married George LOWRY and has a son, Emory; she married, second, Ezra JOHNSON.  Ellis FAIRBANKS resides on the homestead in Leon.  Caleb was one of the first settlers at Leon Center.  The family for generations have evinced considerable skill as wood mechanics and builders.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Pages 754 & 755

 

Surnames:  FANCHER, MILLS, HUBBELL

 

Capt. William FANCHER was born June 1, 1823, at German Flats, N. Y., and was a son of Enos FANCHER, a farmer and blacksmith who died soon after William's birth.  The son became a blacksmith and July 13, 1841, enlisted in the regular army for five years, being discharged in July, 1846, as first sergeant of Co. F, 2d U. S. Inf.  During this period he served in Florida and in the Mexican war and also as recruiting officer of the U. S. army.  He re-enlisted in the navy and served in the foreign service, and was discharged in 1850, after which he was a short time in the customs house.  In 1851 he came to Leon to work for his brother, John FANCHER, as a blacksmith, and soon afterward the two purchased a farm.  Captain FANCHER, in Sept., 1852, married Lydia, daughter of Thomas MILLS; children: Evangeline (Mrs. A. A. HUBBELL) and Albert T.  The latter was supervisor of Leon in 1883, 1884, and 1885.  Mr. FANCHER enlisted Sept. 13, 1861, as captain of Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols., and served until March, 1862, when he was taken sick with typhoid fever, returned home, and died May 24, 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 755

 

Surname:  FRANKLIN

 

James FRANKLIN and his son James, Jr., were the first permanent settlers in the town of Leon, coming here from Monroe county in Sept., 1818.  They located on lot 50 and erected thereon the first log house in town.  Both died here and left many descendants.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 755

 

Surnames:  GREEN, NILES, VINING

 

Dr. John GREEN was a son of Asahel GREEN, who served as lieutenant and afterward as captain in the Revolutionary war and died in Washington county, N. Y., of which county Dr. John was a native.  He moved to Leon in 1847 and married Sally NILES, by whom he had children: Hannah, Lucy J., Sally Ann, Christina, William, Ransom, Asahel, and John C.  John C. GREEN, born May 21, 1830, married Melissa VINING, who has borne him these children: Esther A., Rosa, Ellen, Mary, Franklin B., Henry, Clayton, Herbert, Deidrick, David, and Oren.  Mr. GREEN enlisted in Co. K, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged June 27, 1865.  He held several town offices, among them being constable, collector, and postmaster; he was also deputy sheriff of Cattaraugus county.  He died in April, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 755

 

Surnames:  HODGES, HAZZARD, DYE, WELLS

 

Abram HODGES, son of John, was born in New England and came to Collins, N. Y., with his father at an early day.  He removed to Leon in 1848 and died here in 1881.  His wife, Rebecca, daughter of Hiram HAZZARD, also died in this town; children: George, Hiram, Rebecca, Riley, William, Amanda, Caroline, Eliza J., and Lucinda, now the widow of George W. DYE (q. v.).  Lucinda HODGES was born in Collins February 7, 1839, and Dec. 29, 1857, married Albert W. WELLS, of Leon, who died of fever in Fairfax hospital, Va., April 22, 1862.  He served in Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols., enlisting in the fall of 1861.  They had one daughter, Jennie A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 755

 

Surnames:  HUNT, REED, MURDOCK

 

Capt. Horatio N. HUNT is a son of Sherebiah and Annie (REED) HUNT, and was born in Hamilton, N. Y., Aug. 23, 1826.  He married Catharine J. MURDOCK on Feb. 21, 1844, who was born March 11, 1826, and came to Leon in 1847, where he is one of the oldest and most respected residents.  Children: Francelia, Ella M., Zylphianna, Everett H., and Mary E.  Mr. HUNT was prominent in organizing the first company of soldiers from Leon for the Rebellion and was commissioned its first lieutenant, being promoted captain May 11, 1862, and major before the close of the war.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 755

 

Surname:  INGERSOLL

 

Josephus INGERSOLL, son of Francis (died June 2, 1830) and Rachel (died June 29, 1846) INGERSOLL, was born in Tioga county June 12, 1799, and came to Leon about 1823.  He removed to Dayton in 1848, where he died.  His son Hermon V. was for three years -- 1867, 1868, and 1874 -- supervisor of Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Pages 755 & 756

 

Surnames:  KELLY, GRIFFIN, SMITH, SHELMADINE

 

Eber KELLY came to Leon in 1828, settling, on a farm on Town hill, where he died.  His wife was Sally GRIFFIN, who bore him these children:  Benjamin, Freeman, and Harriet.  Benjamin KELLY came to this town with his father and died here in 1843.  He married Avis SMITH, of New Albion; children: Harriet, Eber E., Clinton D., Clarissa, Harriet, 2d, and Caroline.  Clinton D., born Dec. 13, 1841, married, July 1, 1868, Lizzie SHELMADINE and their children are Benjamin, Alice, Rollin, George, and Clinton D.  Mr. KELLY enlisted Sept. 28, 1861, in Co. B, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged Sept. 28, 1864.  Eber KELLY served in the 9th Cav. from 1864 until June, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surname:  KIERSTEAD

 

John N. KIERSTEAD, served on Long Island in the War of 1812 and came to this town in 1823, where he died in 1879, being at the time of his death one of the oldest residents in Leon.  He has several descendants living in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surnames:  KYSOR, SWEET, SYCKLES, MOSHER, LONGCORE

 

Charles D. KYSOR born in Vermont, came to Leon in 1830 and cleared a farm on what is known as KYSOR hill.  He married Sally SWEET and died in 1889; children: John, Perry O., Ezra, Archibald, Amos, and Nicholas.  His second wife was Polly SYCKLES who bore him two children, Lois and Robert.  Perry O. KYSOR a native of Vermont, was two years old when his parents came to Leon.  He married Caroline MOSHER, daughter of Benjamin MOSHER; children: Charles, Sarah, Frank, Alice, George, Maude, and Willis P.  Willis P. KYSOR was born on KYSOR hill Dec. 5, 1860, and Dec. 11, 1882, he married Lettie E. LONGCORE; children: Alice M., Beulah J., Gilbert W., and Harley P.  Mr. KYSOR is a progressive farmer and a dealer in cattle.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surnames:  MOSHER, ELLIS, BURROUGHS, HORTH

 

John MOSHER was an early settler in New Albion, where he died in 1875.  Lizzie, his wife, bore him six children, viz.: George H., William P., Mary Ann, Cordelia, Alfred P., and Reuben H.  Mr. MOSHER was supervisor of New Albion in 1851 and 1852, and as a citizen and neighbor was highly respected.  William P. MOSHER, born May 23, 1812, married Elizabeth ELLIS, who died Dec. 10, 1889; children: Albert H., Eva J., William E., and Francis A.  The latter was born July 12, 1847.  In 1865 he married Patheria BURROUGHS, of New Albion, and their children are Emma J., Grace M., and German E.  A Republican in politics Mr. MOSHER was supervisor of the town of New Albion in 1884 and 1885 and of Leon in 1892 and 1893.  In these and in other official capacities he has served with signal ability.  Eva J. MOSHER married De Heart HORTH in 1884 and resides in Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surnames:  MURDOCK, ROSS

 

William R. MURDOCK, son of William, is of Scotch descent and was born Jan. 27, 1829.  He married, in 1857, Sarah J. ROSS, who was born in 1833; children: Gertrude, Frank W.; George M., and Alice M.  Mr. MURDOCK has taught school twenty-one years, has served efficiently in official capacities, and is a writer of considerable ability.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surnames:  NOYES, JOHNSON

 

Dudley NOYES, of Revolutionary service, came to Leon in 1829 and died here in 1845; his wife was Sally JOHNSON, who died in 1850.  Their son, Johnson NOYES, born Jan. 26, 1788, started the first store in the town, opening it at “Leon Mills” in 1827.  He also run a distillery, the first one in Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surnames:  POTTER, WAITE, COOK

 

William POTTER, a native of Hoosick, N. Y., came to Leon while a young man and married Basebee WAITE; children: Butler, Mary J., Allen, Melissa T (Mrs. Chauncey COOK, q. v.), Mercy, George, Silas, and Peter.  Mr. POTTER died in East Leon, March 8, 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 756

 

Surnames:  ROCKWELL, SYKES, ODELL, KILLBORN

 

Enoch E. ROCKWELL, son of Joseph and Betsey (SYKES) ROCKWELL, was born in Hanover, Chautauqua county, May 6, 1834.  In 1858 he married Sarah K. ODELL and their children were Eli, William A., and Merton J.  The last named was born May 5, 1863, and is a farmer in Leon.  Mrs. Sarah K. ROCKWELL is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (KILLBORN) ODELL.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 757

 

Surname:  ROSS, LEWIS, SAUNDERS

 

William ROSS, a native of Oneida county, came to New Albion soon after his marriage and died there at the age of sixty years.  His children were Welcome, Willard, Lovisa, Sarah, and Franklin.  The latter was born June 12, 1809, and died May 28, 1890.  He married Lydia LEWIS, of Rutledge, who died in Conewango in March, 1892; children: Lovisa, William J., Welcome F., Lydia, Walter H., Martha, Marcia, and Frankie.  Walter H. ROSS, born in New Albion in 1848, married, in 1874, Elnora R. SAUNDERS, who was born in Otto in 1855; they have one daughter, Mildred B.  William J. and Welcome F. ROSS served in the Rebellion in Co. F, 154th N. Y. Vols.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 757

 

Surnames:  SHANNON, CHAPMAN

 

Samuel SHANNON, a son of Samuel, who served in the Revolution, was born in Vermont, came to Leon among the early settlers, and died here at the age of seventy-five years.  His children were Sally, George, Bishop, Lorenzo, Harlow, Sally, 2d, Hannah, Alvira, and Serena.  Lorenzo SHANNON was born in Vermont, and coming to Leon when an infant he made this town his lifelong home, dying here in 1880.  He was thoroughly identified with the best interests of the community and was ever a welcome visitor to the homes of a large number of friends.  Mr. SHANNON married Martha A. CHAPMAN, who Survives him, and who bore him these children: William B., Cyrus E., Theodocia A., Emory L., George A., and Kittie B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 757

 

Surname:  SHANNON

 

Hon. Edgar SHANNON was one of the most prominent men the town of Leon ever claimed as a citizen.  In politics he was a Republican, and his influence in councils and conventions was both sought and feared.  He held many public offices and served his constituents with honor and fidelity.  He was supervisor of Leon in 1869, 1870, 1873, 1881, and 1882, holding the position at the time of his death; he served two terms (1876 and 1877) in the State Legislature.  He was virtually banker for the town and a man whose counsel was wise and discreet.  He was a member of the Masons, of the United Workmen, and of Post No. 310, G. A. R.  Mr. SHANNON enlisted Aug. 1, 1862, in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., rose to the rank of first lieutenant, and was discharged June 23, 1865.  He died in Leon, Dec. 28, 1882.

               He sleeps 'neath the clods of the valley at rest,

               From war's mingled strife and commotion;

               No sorrow can rend his sightless breast,

               Nor wake his patriot devotion.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Page 757

 

Surnames:  SMITH, BURCHARD, TOWN, WAUTENPAUGH, GRIFFITH

 

Alvah SMITH was an early settler of New Albion, where he cleared a farm, and where he died in 1842.  He married Clarissa BURCHARD, who died in 1858; children: Charles, Amos, Lois, Amy, Avis, and Nancy.  Charles SMITH came to Leon from New Albion, cleared a farm, and died in 1879.  He married Sarah TOWN, who died in Machias in 1876; children: Lovisa, Caroline, Amos S., Henry W., Leroy, Monroe J., Matthew B., Royal R., Frank, Sarah, and Fred.  Amos S. SMITH, born Sept. 2, 1838, married Janette M. WAUTENPAUGH of Conewango; children: Martha C., Clara A., Alvah A., Margaret M. (Mrs. John GRIFFITH), Bertha M., and Merrick B.  Mr. SMITH served in Co. B, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf., and re-enlisted in Co. K, 9th N. Y. Cav., serving in all twenty-seven months.  Henry W. SMITH, brother of Amos S., served in Co. B, 64th N. Y. Vols., and died in May, 1868.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Leon – Chapter XXXIII (33)

Pages 757 & 758

 

Surname:  TRUMBULL

 

Rev. Jonathan J. TRUMBULL, son of Jonathan, who served in the Revolutionary war, came into Leon from Erie county and was one of the earliest pastors of the Baptist church in the town.  He finally died in the barracks at Sacket's Harbor while in the U. S. service.  Several of his descendants have been worthy residents of the county; his grandson, the son of Henry J. -- Claude C., -- is the present keeper of the alms house at Machias, while Henry J. himself is serving his second term as county superintendent of the poor, having been supervisor of Leon in 1878, 1879, 1880, and 1886.  Henry J. and several of his brothers were soldiers in the Rebellion.

 

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TOWN OF LITTLE VALLEY

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 770

 

Surnames:  AYRES, PARKER, HOPKINS, SHEPARD, NEVINS, GOWING, PORTER, LAWRENCE

 

Alfred AYRES, born in Johnstown, N. Y., March 23, 1794, married Betsey P. PARKER, at Bloomfield N. Y., who was born there March 1, 1805.  Settling first in Bloomfield they moved in 1826 to Little Valley, where he bought of Noel HOPKINS a small piece of land on which the latter had cut the first trees and built a log cabin.  AYRES then gave HOPKINS employment.  Mr. AYRES was a peddler of tinware and yankee notions, which he followed till about 1837.  He bought furs of the Indians and also dealt in groceries several years.  Eventually he sold his grocery to C. S. SHEPARD, who conducted a larger mercantile business.  About 1837 he built the first saw-mill in the town north of Little Valley Center and afterward gave his attention mainly to his farm of 250 acres.  Mrs. AYRES died Jan. 25, 1851.  In 1853 he married Elizabeth NEVINS, of Litchfield, Ohio, and in 1858 or 1859 he sold his homestead and removed to South Amherst, Ohio, where he resided nearly four years, when he returned to Little Valley to live with his youngest daughter, Eliza Jane (Mrs. Leonard GOWING), where he died of paralysis in Nov., 1884.  His son, William P. AYRES, was born on the homestead Aug. 14, 1827.  In 1842 or 1843 he began to carry the mail on his father's contract from Little Valley to Lodi (now Gowanda), making the trip on horseback weekly for four years; the next two years his route was semi-weekly by way of Lodi to Ellicottville.  On one occasion he was attacked by a huge panther, but his horse succeeded in escaping the beast.  The next day he joined some hunters and shot him. Remaining with his father until they sold the homestead he soon afterward married Julia PORTER, of Little Valley, and settled on the farm which he recently sold.  Mrs. AYRES died Dec. 23, 1882.  July 25, 1884, he married Elmina P. LAWRENCE.  They have one son.  He died Aug 7, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 770

 

Surnames:  BRYANT, STAUNTON, CHASE, MANLEY, VAN ELTING, SMITH, COIT

 

Nathaniel BRYANT was born in Norwich, Mass.. Oct. 6, 1794, and had a good common school education.  In 1817 he and his brother, Freeman BRYANT, emigrated to the Holland purchase with one horse, and in Ellicottville they attempted to make a settlement about a mile south of the village, but were informed that the place was not in market.  They then went to Toledo, Ohio, where fever and ague raged severely.  Returning to Ellicottville Nathaniel was employed by the Holland Land Company in 1818 at $1 per day, and cut the timber from nearly the entire length of Washington street.  The stumps were cut level with the ground and the street was four rods wide.  In the spring of 1819 the brothers each located a farm on Bryant hill, which was named in their honor.  Freeman married Fannie STAUNTON, and two or three years later settled in Great Valley, dying on a farm in Sugartown on June 1, 1826.  Nathaniel married Sally, daughter of David CHASE, Sr.  He cut his hay and threshed his grain by hand, and aided in supporting the Baptist church, of which he and his wife were members.  In 1841 he sold this farm and purchased the homestead of his wife's deceased father, where both died -- Mrs. BRYANT on April 10, 1875, and he on May 12, 1883.  Children:  Edward S., Alvin C. (one of the first conductors on the Lake Shore railroad, and who died Dec. 7, 1857), Lucy E. (Mrs. William MANLEY), Marium (who married C. VAN ELTING and died in 1880, leaving two sons), Stillman N. (married Wealthy CHASE and died May 14, 1888), Harlow D., and Loverna W. (Mrs. James SMITH).  Harlow D. BRYANT has been commissioner of highways, and on June 18, 1884, married Emma, daughter of Lewis COIT; children: a daughter and a son. (See also BRYANT sketch in Ellicottville.)

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 771

 

Surnames:  BURRELL, CHAMPLIN

 

David BURRELL, son of Adonijah, was born in Otsego county in 1822 and came to New Albion with his parents about 1828.  Before he was twenty-one he commenced dealing in live stock, which he shipped to Philadelphia and New York.  About 1854 or 1855 he conducted the Howe House in Little Valley (the site of Rock City Hotel).  His wife's health failed and he returned to New Albion and resumed his live stock business, which he continued till his death in March, 1876.  He served his town several years as assessor.  He married Mary Ann, daughter of William M. CHAMPLIN, a pioneer of Napoli.  She died soon after they left the hotel, leaving two sons: William M. and another who died at the age of twelve years.  William M. was born on the homestead and alternately had a home with his grandparents BURRELL and CHAMPLIN.  He started in life a farmer.  In the spring of 1885 he purchased his present property, fitted it for a hotel, and named it the BURRELL House.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 771

 

Surnames:  CHAMPLIN, CHAMPLAIN

 

John B. F. CHAMPLIN was born at Napoli on July 17, 1841.  His paternal ancestors were of Huguenot French origin, came to America in 1695, and settled in Lebanon, Conn,  The original name was CHAMPLAIN, and Joseph CHAMPLAIN, who in 1808 discovered the lake that bears his name, was a remote kinsman.  His father, John B. CHAMPLIN, married Hannah, daughter of Smith COTTRELL, of South Kingston.  John B. F. resided at the parental home until the death of his mother, which occurred when he was fifteen years old.  At the age of thirteen he was a successful partner with his father and an older brother dealing in cattle and sheep.  At the age of sixteen he was the halfowner of a fishing vessel and engaged in cod-fishing.  At the end of the season he disposed of his interest in this enterprise, returned to his native town, and resumed the trade in live stock.  He passed several winters in lumber camps driving oxen, and after sixteen and a half years selling goods for one company as its traveling salesman he embarked in the manufacture and sale of cutlery.  He organized the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company, of which he is president.  He is sagacious and enterprising in business, and has decided talents for mechanics and civil engineering.  In 1882 his son Tint became his partner in business.  In 1879 he began and in 1880 completed his elegant brick opera house.  This he reserved for the free use of all religious societies.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 771

 

Surnames:  CHAPMAN, BLACKMAN, ALLISON

 

James CHAPMAN, born in Perth, Scotland, Nov. 16, 1829, was educated in the English schools and learned the trade of blacksmith.  In July, 1853, be came to America in a sailing vessel and as a journeyman he spent a year at his trade in Peekskill, N. Y.  Thence he went to Walton, Delaware county, where he was engaged until the ensuing spring, when he came to Little Valley, where he arrived March 16, 1855.  June 5th he bought out his employer, John BLACKMAN, and conducted a blacksmithing business until 1877.  In 1870 he purchased thirty acres on Rock City street and in 1878 became a farmer.  In 1887 he cut his farm into village lots, which sold rapidly.  He has been a member of the Congregational church since the summer of 1856, and has been its deacon since 1869.  April 2, 1856, he married Rachel ALLISON, who was born in Scotland, Nov. 12, 1819, which country they visited in 1867.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 771 & 772

 

Surnames:  CHARLESWORTH, HIGBEE, BECKWITH

 

Joseph CHARLESWORTH, son of Nathan, was born near Manchester, England, Feb. 17, 1840.  His father was a cotton spinner by trade, and was foreman in one of the large cotton factories in that city.  In 1841 he came to America with his oldest two sons and about a year afterward sent for his wife and four remaining children.  He worked at his trade in Lodi (now Gowanda) and in Buffalo three or four years, and settled in Otto.  He purchased a farm on which he died in 1854.  Joseph in 1861 enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols, and participated in all the battles in which his regiment engaged.  At the battle of Gettysburg he received a shell-wound on the right side of his head, which fractured his skull, and was confined in the hospital at Philadelphia nearly six months, where he was an officer of the guard.  He was appointed sergeant and was discharged with the rank of orderly-sergeant.  He was early entrusted with the carrying of dispatches and reconnoitering.  He was discharged Jan. 9, 1864, from Convalescent Camp, Va., upon a surgeon's certificate of disability.  Mr. CHARLESWORTH has held several town offices.  Jan. 20, 1864, he married Roxanna HIGBEE, of New Albion;  children:  Fred, Jennie B. (Mrs. Homer BECKWITH), John, and Willie M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 772

 

Surnames:  CHASE, GAY, BRYANT, FOSTER, STRATTON, FURMAN, PHILLIPS, WHEATON KELSEY, CLARK, DAY, MARKHAM, DAVIS

 

David CHASE was born in Petersham, Mass., Oct. 25, 1769. Lucy GAY, his wife, was born in Dedham, Mass., Sept. 14, 1771.  They were married in Massachusetts, where all their children were born.  In 1819 or 1820 they came to Little Valley Center with a heavy wagon covered with sole-leather and drawn by two yoke of oxen; they also had one horse.  They settled on 125 acres of woodland --the farm on which his grandson, Harlow D. BRYANT, now resides.  He erected a log house and barn, cleared the farm, erected a second set of farm buildings, and died on the place July 20, 1841.  Mrs. CHASE died Oct. 241 1850.  Mr. CHASE was highly esteemed and widely known.  Children:  Parney, who married, first, Jonathan FOSTER, the father of her son Chester and daughter Lucy (Mrs. Leander STRATTON), and, second, Asa FURMAN, the father of six children, and died March 10 1854; Alvin, who married Polly PHILLIPS, settled on a farm adjoining his father's a year or two before his father came, raised nine children, and died July 27, 1873;  Lefa, who married Gains WHEATON and died Sept. 17, 1826; Sally, who married Nathaniel BRYANT and died April 10, 1875; Dr. Stillman, a practicing physician, settled first in Little Valley Center, married Alzina KELSEY, owned a good farm, removed to Rochester, Minn., where he died Sept 5, 1860, and has two sons living, Kelsey and Albert; David, Jr., who married Mary Ann CLARK, settled in Rochester, Minn., had four children, was a dealer, built a large tenement block, and died Aug. 18, 1875 ; and Cyrena, who married, first, Eli DAY, the father of her daughter Harriet (Mrs. John MARKHAM), and, second, Hiram DAVIS, who has bought and sold several farms, and whose son is a physician.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 772 & 773

 

Surnames:  CHASE, WHEELOCK, SMEAD, COX, BUCKLIN

 

Henry CHASE, son of Henry, a native of Massachusetts, was born about 1767 and removed with his family to Townshend, Vt.  Henry, Jr., married, in Townshend, Irena WHEELOCK in 1788; children: Abner, Luther, Hiram, Melinda, Wheelock, and Converse.  Between I815 and 1820 Henry CHASE and his wife and their two sons, Wheelock and Converse, removed to Little Valley.  Their daughter Melinda, who had married Simeon SMEAD in Vermont, settled in Little Valley at the same time.  Mr. SMEAD became prominent in the new town, was elected supervisor of Little Valley in 1823, and was reelected from time to time in all nine terms.  Mr. CHASE was a close observer of all the weather signs, and always planted his crops in what he thought the right phase of the moon.  He was an original member of the Freewill Baptist church.  Their son, Abner CHASE, was born in Townshend, Vt., in 1789, married Mary COX, of Pawlet, Vt., and settled in Saratoga county, where he manufactured woolen cloth.  In 1825 he settled in Little Valley.  Besides keeping his hotel he was a farmer, an extensive lumberman, held several town offices, and was appointed by the State to superintend the building of a highway through the Indian reservation along the Allegheny river.  He had served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a major in the State militia.  He was supervisor of Little Valley in 1837.  In 1852 he sold the homestead and removed to Ohio.  A few years later he returned to Little Valley and had a home with his daughter, Mrs. Daniel BUCKLIN, until his death in the fall of 1863.  His wife died in 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 773

 

Surnames:  CHASE, LYON, BARTON, HOTCHKISS, BARR

 

Wheelock CHASE, fourth son of Henry, was born Aug. 2, 1800.  He married Teresa LYON in March, 1824, who was born in Wilbraham, Mass., June 10, 1800.  In the spring of 1825 they settled in the woods on Bucktooth.run, where alone he built the first house.  Mrs. CHASE sewed for lumbermen to buy the few pounds of nails and panes of glass used in its construction.  They sold their improvements a year or two later and removed to their old neighborhood.  In 1831 they made a permanent settlement half a mile south of the homestead, where he died in 1845.  Prior to 1831 he cleared a field near the creek and his wife assisted in carrying 100 bushels of ashes from the burnt timber to the bank of the stream to be made into black-salts.  A sudden heavy rain caused the creek to overflow during the night and in the morning they found their ashes swept away by the flood.  Children:  Malenda, Irene, Randilla, Harriet, Abner W., and Estelle.  Malenda married J. L. BARTON, of Mansfield, at the age of thirty-two and died childless four years later.  She had taught thirty-two terms of school.  Harriet married George W. HOTCHKISS, of South Valley, in 1868, and died in 1875, leaving two sons.   Abner W. enlisted in the Rebellion in 1861 and died in Alexandria, April 21, 1862.  Estelle, married N. L. BARR, of Brocton, in Nov., 1865, and died in Kansas, Oct. 10, 1879, leaving one child.  Mrs. CHASE (the mother) died May 26, 1880, in Little Valley village, where she had lived several years, and where her daughters, Irene and Randilla, the only survivors of the family, reside.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 773

 

Surnames:  CHASE, WHEELER, HALL, NASH, ROWLETT, BRYANT, WILLSIS, EVANS

 

Converse H., CHASE, youngest child of the pioneer Henry, was born in Townshend, Vt., Feb. 17, 1811.  He came to Little Valley Center with his parents and married Nancy WHEELER, Dec. 21, 1837, who was a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of John WHEELER, who settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Sarah M. HALL.  They sold their farm and lived with their daughter, Mrs. Converse H. CHASE.  Mr. CHASE died on Nov. 9, 1851.  He served as town clerk and assessor.  Children:  Byron D., born Nov. 5, 1838, who with his brother Albert B. owns the homestead of 120 acres and the Clement farm of sixty acres, and who married Mrs. Mary A. (NASH) ROWLETT, March 15, 1885; Wealthy A., born May 7, 1848, who married Stillman BRYANT, Jan. 8, 1861, a farmer, and died June 15, 1879; Hiram H., born Nov. 27, 1841, enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Cav., in 1861, and died at Clupper Court House, Va., Aug. 8, 1862; Albert B., born Nov. 27, 1844, married Mary E. WILLSIS; and Mortimer D., born May 30, 1846, married Mary E. EVANS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 773

 

Surnames:  CHASE, WHEELOCK, SMEAD

 

Enoch CHASE came to Little Valley from Vermont about the time that his, cousins David and Henry settled here.  He died as early or before 1825.  He married, his cousin, Abigail (CHASE) WHEELOCK, a sister of Henry CHASE.  In 1837, with four of her sons and their families, she removed to Burlington, Iowa.  Simeon SMEAD, whose wife, Melinda CHASE, had recently died, and his brother Daniel, all Vermonters, went with them.  Johnson CHASE, the son who remained, died a few years ago.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 773 & 774

 

Surnames:  CROSBY, HOLMES, PUDDY, WHEATON, CHASE

 

Stephen CROSBY was born in 1788 in Dutchess county, N. Y.  At Cazenovia, in 1810, he married Hannah HOLMES, who was born in 1790 at Keene, N. H.  Children:  Columbus, born July 10, 1814, at Cazenovia, enlisted in the Union army at Petersburg, Ill., and died in the service at Mobile, Ala.; Orril, born at Little Valley in 1817, the first white child born in the town, married Michael PUDDY, and died in Michigan; Zillah, born at little Valley, 1819, and now resides at Garnavillo, Iowa; and Ada, born at Little Valley in 1821, died in Michigan. Stephen CROSBY moved to Little Valley in 1815 and cut his road through the woods from Franklinville.  As justice of the peace he officiated at the marriage of Gaius WHEATON and Lefa CHASE, which was Little Valley's first wedding.  He was a devoted Christian pioneer, and for many years officiated as the only doctor, preacher, and lawyer in the settlement.  When Cattaraugus county first became entitled to a representative in the Assembly in 1823 he was elected to that office and was re-elected in 1830.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 774

 

Surname:  CULLEN

 

Joseph CULLEN, son of John, was born in Upton, Nottinghamshire, England, May 16, 1838.  His father was a farmer and came to America in 1851, and first settled in Monroe county.  In 1856 he removed to Little Valley and located on the farm where his son Joseph now resides, and where he died Jan. 17, 1876.  He was a member of the Methodist Protestant church and was many years its class-leader.  Joseph CULLEN, his oldest son, remained at home until 1862, when, on Sept. 3d, he enlisted in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged June 24, 1865.  He participated in the battle of Chancellorsville and in several skirmishes, marched with Sherman to the sea, and had a long illness in the hospital at Patterson Park, Baltimore.  He was also a prisoner six weeks.  He succeeded his father on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 774

 

Surnames:  DARROW, KING

 

Adelbert E. DARROW, born in Pembroke, Genesee county, Sept. 13, 1842, was educated in the common schools with a few terms in the academies, and in June, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 129th N. Y. Inf., was transferred to the 8th N. Y. H. A., and was discharged June 2, 1865, with the rank of orderly-sergeant.  His regiment was in General Hancock's corps.  After the war he traveled in several western States and in the spring of 1867 he located in Salamanca where he engaged in manufacturing lumber.  While there he held several town offices, and as highway commissioner he erected the iron bridge across the Allegheny river.  Mr. DARROW is a Republican.  In the winter of 1884 and again he was postmaster of the Senate of the State Legislature, and had previously held the office of deputy sheriff and under sheriff of Cattaraugus county each three years.  In the fall of 1885 he received the nomination of his party for sheriff and was elected.  At the close of this term he became a member of the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company and one of its directors; he has served as its secretary and is now its superintendent of construction.  He also served as chairman of the Republican County Committee in 1889 and 1890.  Nov. 25, 1869, he married Mary N. KING, of Salamanca, who was born in Pembroke, N. Y.  They have one daughter, Trudia B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 774

 

Surnames:  DAY, LEE, WING, HEATH, CHAMPLIN

 

Elias DAY, son of Erastus and Marian (LEE) DAY, was born in Orleans county in July, 1827.  When a child his parents settled in New Albion.  Jan. 1, 1850 he married Harriet WING who was born in New Lisbon, Otsego county, March 18, 1834.  They settled in New Albion, where he died April.5, 1880.  Mr. DAY was never robust in health, but was an enterprising farmer.  He was a member of the M. E. church thirty-two years and led the choir about as long.  He was a Republican and was tax collector three terms.  Children:  Albert, who married Hannah HEATH and has two children, and Emma (Mrs. Theodore CHAMPLIN), who has four children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 774 & 775

 

Surnames:  DENSMORE, VAN HOUSEN

 

Capt. Samuel B. DENSMORE was born in Barre, N. Y., Dec. 29, 1833.  At the age of fifteen he entered a general store as clerk, where he remained until he attained his majority.  A year later he engaged in the business on his own account in Yates, Orleans county, where he was until 1862, when he enlisted on June 14th in Co. A, 129th N. Y. Inf.  Aug. 25th he went to the front and participated in all the battles of General Grant's army until the close of the war.  He was promoted from private to captain, and received a gun-shot wound in his left shoulder in front of Petersburg, June 22, 1864.  He was captured at Reams's Station, Aug. 25, 1864, and confined in Libby, Dansville, and Salisbury prisons six months.  In 1863 his regiment became the 8th N. Y. H. A., which was reduced by deaths, etc., from 900 to 120 men.  He returned to mercantile pursuits in Little Valley in April, 1868, and is now engaged in the railway mail service.  In 1868 he married Helen M. VAN HOUSEN, of Cortland county; they have two sons and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 775

 

Surnames:  DREW, HOUGH

 

John DREW, Sr., son of Elijah DREW, was born in Vermont and married Nancy HOUGH, of Geneseo, N. Y., about 1822.  He then settled in New Albion on Drew hill, where he resided five or six years, when he sold out to his brother, Noah DREW, and commenced again on Drew flats, where he erected another log cabin.  Here he raised his children and here Mrs. DREW died Jan. 1, 1871.  He planted a good orchard, and built a good house in 1850.  He was commissioner of highways a number of years, and died April 15, 1880.  Children:  John, born April 14, 1824, died Jan. 3, 1830; Isaac, born Dec. 13, 1825, died Feb. 13, 1837; Abram, born Aug. 17, 1827, died Dec. 3, 1830; John, Jr., born Nov. 23, 1830; Julia Ann, born Sept. 19, 1832, died July 19, 1852; lra, born Feb. 23, 1835, residing with his only son, George E. DREW, proprietor of the Exchange Hotel in Little Valley; Henry, born July 17 1837, died Jan. 15, 1883; Silas Wilber, born Aug. 10, 1840; Oscar F., born Nov. 13, 1843; Clark, born Jan. 27, 1846; Francis Marion, born Dec. 31, 1847, a farmer in Salamanca and a soldier in the war for the Union ; Isaac Eugene, born Jan. 15, 1849, died Sept. 9, 1871; Angenette, born March 28, 1852.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 775

 

Surnames:  FANCHER, MILLS, SHANNON

 

Albert T. FANCHER, son of Capt. William (see page 754) and Lydia (MILLS) FANCHER, was born in Leon, Jan. 18, 1859.  He was educated in the common schools and in Chamberlain Institute, and at the age of eighteen formed a partnership with Edgar SHANNON, of Leon, under the firm name of Edgar SHANNON & Co., which continued in trade with two branch stores in the oil regions of Pennsylvania the ensuing seven years.  A Republican in politics he represented his town on the Board of Supervisors three terms and in 1885 was the nominee of his party for and was elected clerk of Cattaraugus county.  He resides in Little Valley, owns a farm in Leon, and deals, in real estate.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 775 & 776

 

Surnames:  FISHER, PENNEY, HALL

 

Judson H. FISHER was born in Napoli, March 5, 1838, and descends from sturdy New England stock.  His father, William FISHER, was born in Massachusetts and came with his parents to Genesee county in his boyhood.  About 1830 he came with an ox-team to Napoli and settled on a tract of too acres.  He died Oct. 10, 1889.  In religion he was a Baptist and an ordained clergyman.  He preached regularly at a school house in “Pigeon Valley "; he officiated at numerous weddings and funerals, and was beloved and respected.  He was twice married and the father of six children, all of whom reside in the Vicinity.  Judson H. FISHER, his oldest son, received a common school education and remained on the homestead until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 154th N. Y. Vols., and participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, where he fought hard and gallantly and fell pierced with a minie-ball, which broke his kneepan in three pieces.  He lay in this condition fourteen days, suffering terribly from pain, hunger, thirst, heat, exposure, and the mingled insults and kindnesses of the enemy, when he was discovered by Union soldiers and sent to the hospital, where the surgeons deemed amputation of the shattered leg necessary.  This he positively refused to allow, and alone, with his indomitable strength and perseverance, he set the mangled member, which ultimately healed, but never united.  He is now a market gardener in Little Valley.  Jan. 17, 1866, be married Sarah PENNEY, of Mt. Hope, N. Y.;  children:  Anna (Mrs. William F. HALL), Charles H., and Florence J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 776

 

Surnames:  FULLER, HOPKINS, BRISTOL, McKAY, HUNTLEY, GODDING, SPRAGUE, WHEATON

 

Cyrus W. FULLER was born in Pawlet, Vt., in March, 1800.  When he was twelve years old his parents removed to Elba, Genesee county, where he resided until Feb., 1831.  His father, John FULLER, served seven years in the Revolution and was many years a pensioner.  Cyrus W. came to Little Valley with his wife and two children – Tryphena and Cyrus A. – in Feb., 1831, and settled on 100 acres with but three and a half acres cleared, which he purchased of Noel H. HOPKINS and the Holland Land Company.  He soon afterward built a larger log house and a little later a framed addition in which he conducted the first grocery store in the village of Little Valley.  Mr. FULLER often spoke in public meetings and as commissioner laid out most of the highways in town.  He married Lucia BRISTOL, of Bethany, Genesee county, daughter of Elijah BRISTOL.  Five of their seven children attained maturity: Tryphena (deceased), who married H. V. R. McKAY; Carrie (deceased), who married H. S. HUNTLEY; Alison L., of Humphrey; Lura (deceased); and Cyrus A., who was born Sept. 11, 1827.  The latter succeeded his father on the homestead, to which he has added until he now has a farm of 450 acres.  In the Rebellion he placed a substitute in the field who did service three years.  Mr. FULLER married Lydia A., daughter of Levi GODDING, an early pioneer who resided in Little Valley until his death, aged seventy-two years.  Children:  Laura A. (Mrs. B. L. SPRAGUE), George W., and Nellie C. (Mrs. S. N. WHEATON).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 776 & 777

 

Surnames:  FULLER, VAN AERNAM, FAY, MANLEY, TWOMLEY

 

Brevet-Col. Henry Van Aernam FULLER,* oldest son of Benjamin and Ann (VAN AERNAM) FULLER, was born in the village of Little Valley, Feb. 16, 1841.  He had two brothers and a sister.  Benjamin C. was a soldier in the 37th N. Y. Vols. and a clerk in the Interior Department; Nathan A. was paying teller in the United States House of Representatives during the Forty-second, Forty-third, Forty-fourth, and Forty-fifth Congresses.  His grandfather, Edmund FULLER, was the first settler in Randolph; his father was among the earliest in Little Valley.  His mother, a lady of great intellectual strength, is the sister of Hon. Henry VAN AERNAM, M. D. (see page 131).  Henry V. FULLER obtained his education in the common schools and at Fredonia and Randolph Academies.  Had he survived the war it was his intention to have devoted himself to the legal profession.  At the age of seventeen he was employed by Messrs. BRADLEY FAY & Co., lumber manufacturers, to run rafts down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers to Pittsburg, Cincinnati, and Louisville.  He remained their confidential agent until the beginning of the war, when, on Aug. 7, 1861, in a letter to his friend, Hon. John MANLEY, he said:

"Deeming it to be the duty of every young man in these days of his country's peril to render her every help in his power, and that the most effectual service which can be given is to volunteer to fight her battles, I am resolved to join those already in the field and stand by them in this struggle for the constitution and laws."

 

Young FULLER entered the army a private in Co. F, 64th N. Y. Vols., on Sept. 10, 1861, and at Elmira he was promoted orderly-sergeant.  At the election of line officers he was chosen second lieutenant and commissioned Dec. 10th.  After the battle of Fair Oaks he was promoted first lieutenant July 23, 1862.  He passed through the Seven Days of the Peninsula, the Pope campaign, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, and for meritorious service was promoted captain Dec. 30, 1862.  Chancellorsville was fought May 1st, 2d, and 3d; this was followed, on the 1st 2d, and 3d of July, 1863, by the bloody battle of Gettysburg, where, on the second day, Captain FULLER fell.  His body was recovered on the morning of July 4th, was conveyed to his home, and was buried with military honors.  Under the authority of the laws of New York, 1865, the first brevet honor was bestowed by Gov. FENTON, that of brevet-colonel, in memoriam, for Capt. Henry V. FULLER.  Colonel FULLER was endowed with superior mental powers. He possessed a manly physique, stood six feet high, and had a handsome face, clear gray eyes, and brown hair.

 

" Duice et deQorum est pro patria mori."

 

Dec. 24, 1860, he married Adelaide C., daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Lyman TWOMLEY, of Little Valley, a lady of culture and energy who has held the position of postmistress several years.  Their son, Henry Twomley FULLER, of striking resemblance to his father, was born May 19, 1862.  He is a druggist.

 

*  This sketch of-the brave and gallant Colonel FULLER is condensed from a biography written by his friend, Hon. John MANLEY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 777

 

Surnames:  GREEN, THOMPSON, COURTNEY, WEBER, FERRIN

 

Hon. Stephen C. GREEN was born in Tompkins county Jan. 1, 1828.  In 1833 his father removed his family to Jamestown, where, at the age of sixteen, Stephen was apprenticed to the printing business, which he pursued five years.  In 1849 he began his mercantile career, the scene of his operations being mainly in Little Valley.  Sept. 5, 1848, he married Laura Ann THOMPSON, who died June 8, 1867, and Dec. 15, 1868, he married, second, Minnie COURTNEY.  Mr. GREEN has held most of the minor town offices and was supervisor of Little Valley in 1863 and 1865.  In 1865 he was elected superintendent of the poor of Cattaraugus county and in 1868 was re-elected.  In 1869 and again in 1870 he was elected to the State Legislature.  He was the first president of the village of Little Valley.  In Dec., 1887, with B. B. WEBER and A. W. FERRIN, he bought the Olean Times and continued its publication under the name of S. C. GREEN & Co. until Feb., 1891, when he retired and the firm became FERRIN & WEBER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 777

 

Surnames:  HALL, EDDY, SPRAGUE, BEDIENT, FULLER

 

Marcus HALL, son of Horace, one of the four brothers who were among the first settlers in the, corners of Napoli, Randolph, Conewango, and Cold Spring, now the village of East Randolph, was born in Napoli in 1831.  He moved with his parents to the village of East Randolph when about twelve years of age, where he supplemented his common school education by several terms at East Randolph Seminary.  Sept. 7, 1854, he married Almira M., daughter of Enos and Miranda EDDY, pioneers of Mansfield.  Mr. HALL springs from a line of noted mechanics and has carried on farming, wagon making, and carpentering.  Aug. 26, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav., and served nearly two years, participating in the battles of Gettysburg, Boonesborough, and others.  His health failed in July, 1863, and he was sent to the hospital in September, came home on sick-leave for ninety days, and returned to his regiment at Christmas; he took a severe cold, was again confined in the hospital, and was discharged as permanently disabled June 11, 1864.  He and Mrs. HALL have lived in the village of Little Valley the past eight years.  They own a farm in Mansfield, which is the home of their daughter, Lydia M. (Mrs. John SPRAGUE).  Their daughter Ida May (Mrs. Serentus W. BEDIENT) resides in the village of Little Valley.  Mr. BEDIENT is a farmer and of the firm of FULLER & BEDIENT, proprietors of a meat market.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 777 & 778

 

Surnames:  HALL, MOSHER, JUDD, BRIGGS, WATKINS, GALLAGHER, SHAFER, BOUTELL, SMITH

 

Calvin HALL, born in Vermont in 1800 married Sarah MOSHER, who was born in Hoosick, N. Y., in 1801.  They settled in Middlebury, N. Y., where their oldest two children were born.  In the spring of 1832 they settled in New Albion, where he served as justice of the peace twelve years, presiding during that period at numerous law suits.  He was a farmer and a mason, and died at the age of forty-four years.  His wife died in 1851.  Children:  Phebe (Mrs. Harrison JUDD), of New Albion, who died Sept. 27, 1889; Calvin E., born Jan. 22, 1826; and Lydia, born in New Albion, married A. BRIGGS, and died in Dayton.  Calvin E. HALL bought the homestead in New Albion and married, Aug. 14, 1849, Sarah M. WATKINS.  They removed to Dayton, and about three years later purchased another farm in New Albion and conducted both.  In 1868 they removed to a farm of 250 acres near Little Valley Center.  He sold his real estate to a son and daughter, and died Dec. 24, 1890.  Six children, five of whom grew to maturity:  Mary (Mrs. Henry GALLAGHER) died Sept. 10, 1889; Robert D., born in 1852, married Nettie SHAFER, of Salamanca, and resides in Dayton; Adah E., born in 1856, married C. O. BOUTELL, of Salamanca; Edmund C., born in 1860, was a teacher, was principal of the Union Free School in Allegany, was a law student at the time be was taken ill, and died Sept. 10, 1867; and Drusa E., born in 1868, married Fred D. SMITH.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 778

 

Surnames:  HEATH, HYDE, CHICHESTER, JOHNSON, ANTISDALE, DAY, WING, TOMES

 

Samuel C. HEATH, born in Bowe, N. H., in Feb., 1803, married Lois HYDE, a native of Vermont, and settled in Mansfield about 1828 in a log cabin roofed with elm-bark, in which town they lived about thirty years.  Mr. HEATH died in Machias in 1881; Mrs. HEATH died Jan. 17, 1885.  He was a shoemaker, but later in life gave his attention to his farm.  Children:  Calista, born May 22, 1828, widow of William CHICHESTER; John, born July 13, 1830, married Phebe JOHNSON, and is a farmer living in the village of Little Valley; and Bart, born May 31, 1832, Married Lydia L. ANTISDALE.  Bart HEATH enlisted Sept. 24, 1861, in Co. F, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged April 3, 1863, in consequence of a shell-wound received at the battle of Antietam on Sept. 17, 1862.  His eldest daughter married Albert DAY, of Little Valley. Mary married Lyman WING, of Little Valley, and Lois married Robert TOMES, of Great Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 778

 

Surnames:  HENRY, STEBBINS, BROWN, PERSONS

 

William W. HENRY, son of Sylvester, was born in Collins, Erie county, April 18, 1837.  At about the age of sixteen he began an apprenticeship at the printer's trade with his brother, James T. HENRY, then the editor of the Ellicottville Union.  Completing his trade he was a journeyman until 1858, when he established the Gowanda Reporter, a Democratic weekly on which he and his partner, F. G. STEBBINS, did all the work.  He continued this until the beginning of the Rebellion, when, in Oct., 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 64th N. Y. Vols.  He was promoted corporal and quartermaster-sergeant; in Oct., 1862, was commissioned lieutenant; and immediately after the battle of Fredericksburg was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.  He was finally compelled to resign on account of ill health and return to Gowanda, where he resided until 1871 and represented his town on the Board of Supervisors two years.  He also served as town clerk, Justice of the peace, and president of the village.  In Jan., 1871, he became under sheriff of Cattaraugus county, sheriff, William M. BROWN, and removed to Little Valley, where he has since resided.  He was the nominee of the Democratic party for the office of sheriff in 1873 and was elected.  In 1879, with C. F. PERSONS, he purchased the Olean Record, a Greenback paper, and converted it into a Democratic organ with the title of the Olean Democrat.  In 1883 Mr. HENRY was appointed inspector of canals.  In July, 1893, he was appointed postmaster at Little Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 778 & 779

 

Surnames:  HICKEY, HOWE

 

John HICKEY was born in Canajoharie, N. Y., in 1794.  He married Martha, daughter of Nathan HOWE, a pioneer of Great Valley, and settled first in Phelps, N. Y., where ail his children were born.  In 1843 he came with his family to Little Valley, where he conducted a tavern on the site of the Rock City Hotel.  He was a hotel keeper most of the time through his business life, and died at the home of his daughter in 1887.  He was married three times.  His first wife, the mother of all his children, died in March, 1852.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 779

 

Surnames:  HIGBEE, MARSH, TUTTLE

 

Marion F. HIGBEE was born in New Albion, Feb. 18, 1850.  In 1867 he commenced to learn the tinner's trade of Sidney MARSH in Little Valley and in 1871 he opened a store in the village.  In 1876 he sold his business and went to Wyoming county, where he was in trade nine years.  Eventually returning to Little Valley in July, 1890, he bought the store and stock of hardware and groceries of S. A. TUTTLE, and has since conducted the business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 779

 

Surnames:  HILSLE, GIBSON

 

George HILSLE, born in Alsace, France, in 1829, is descended from French ancestors, but was educated in the German schools and in German language, supplemented by two years in French.  He learned the tailor's trade and at the age of seventeen came to America.  In Canada and in Buffalo and in other places he followed his trade as a journeyman, and in 1853 he located permanently in Little Valley.  He opened a store as a merchant tailor and a few years later added ready-made clothing.  During the last year or two of the war he suspended business and bought a farm.  In 1866 he again fitted up his store.  In 1868 he married Adelia GIBSON, of Addison, N. Y.;  they have two daughters and a son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 779

 

Surname:  HOLCOMB

 

Oliver L. HOLCOMB was born in Oneida county April 1, 1829.  His father settled in Madison county, where he received a common school education.  In 1847 he commenced an apprenticeship in the jeweler's trade at Utica, and in 1861 he settled permanently in Little Valley, where he opened a jewelry store, which he has since continued.  He cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856 at the organization of the Republican party and has voted for each of the Republican presidential candidates since.  He has been deputy sheriff nine years and is now serving his third term as justice of the peace.  He has been crier of the courts several years and still holds that position.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 779

 

Surnames:  HOWE, SOUTHWICK, SPRINGER, BROOKS, ADAMS, NASH, FOX

 

Arthur H. HOWE was born in Gowanda, Erie county, Oct. 7, 1843.  His grandfather, Jaazaniah HOWE, a native of Goshen, Mass., was a soldier in the Revolution.  His father, Zimri the son of Jaazaniah. came to Lodi (now Gowanda) in 1825, and removed in 1858 to Cattaraugus in New Albion.  He died March 11, 1867, and his wife, Esther, March 13, 1878.  In 1859 Arthur H. HOWE began his career in the county clerk's office under E. H. SOUTHWICK, serving until 1864, when he enlisted in the 98th N. Y. S. N. G., which was stationed at Elmira guarding prisoners.  He was made deputy county clerk in Jan., 1865, by S. C. SPRINGER and Jan. 1, 1868, by Enos C. BROOKS.  At the expiration of this term be moved to Ellicottville and formed a mercantile partnership with A. J. ADAMS, and Jan. 1, 1874, returned to the county Clerk's office, being again made deputy by Col. E. A. NASH in July, 1875.  That same year he was nominated and elected clerk of the county on the Republican ticket.  Dec. 31, 1879, he married Harriet, daughter of C. J. FOX.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 779

 

Surnames:  HOWE, HULETT, MANLEY, FOSTER, CHASE

 

Samuel HOWE, a native of Massachusetts and a son of Parley and Deborah (HULETT) HOWE, came with his father to Mansfield about 1830.  Both were farmers.  Parley HOWE died at the home of his son Samuel in Mansfield aged seventy-six years.  Children:  Joseph, Samuel, Lemuel, Lura, Roby, and Sybil (the only one now living).  Samuel married Jane MANLEY, of Otto;  children:  Sybil, Aurelius, Leonard, John, Nelson, Augustus, Martin, Franklin, Levi, Alice.  Franklin married Bertha FOSTER, great-granddaughter of David CHASE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 780

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, WRIGHT

 

David JOHNSON, born in Madrid, St. Lawrence county, in 1839, received a common school education, learned the trade of harness making, and at the age of nineteen came to East Randolph, where he purchased a harness shop and prosecuted the business about ten years.  In 1868 he sold out and established himself in Little Valley.  He has also dealt extensively in hides, his purchases sometimes amounting to $1,000 a week.  Latterly he has occasionally contributed to the press on political and other subjects.  He has served two terms as trustee of the village.  In Sept., 1858, a few months after he settled in East Randolph, he returned to his native county and married Sarah C. WRIGHT, of Norfolk, N. Y.; they have one surviving son, Charles E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 780

 

Surnames: LEE, RATHBUN, CROSBY, TREVITT, MARSH

 

Lyman LEE was born in Guilford, Conn., in 1799.  When seventeen or eighteen years of age he came to Rochester, and Dec. 23, 1819, married Harriet RATHBUN, who was born in Tioga county, Pa., in 1800.  In March, 1821, he settled in Little Valley on a lot of 100 acres where the cheese factory now stands.  He cleared a small plat, sowed and planted, and set out a nursery of apple and pear trees.  In the fall of 1823 he exchanged farms with Stephen CROSBY and became the owner of 100 acres of land and the first frame building in the town, where he died in 1851.  Mrs. LEE survived until July 29, 1879.  Like other early settlers they experienced the hardships incident to pioneer life.  The nearest mill was at Cadizville, about twenty-five miles away.  Soon after he settled in Little Valley Mr. LEE broke his last axe, and to get it repaired he went on foot sixteen miles through the woods, which abounded with wolves.  Mr. LEE was overseer of the poor for thirty years and superintendent of the Free Baptist Sunday school about as long.  Children:  a daughter who died in infancy and another at the age of thirty-eight; Susan A. (Mrs. C. S. TREVITT), of Washington, D. C.; Emma, widow of O. E. MARSH; William H., a carpenter in Corry, Pa.; Erastus N.; and Maurice L., of Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 780

 

Surname:  LEE

 

Erastus N. LEE, born on the homestead Dec. 2, 1834, succeeded his father on the farm, spent several seasons as a clerk in country stores, and has conducted the double occupation of farmer and merchant.  He has been a staunch Republican since the organization of the party and was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1866.  He is a decided temperance man and quite an antiquarian, and his collection of Indian relics, procured in his own vicinity, number several hundred specimens.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 780

 

Surnames: LOCKE, FISH, GALLOWAY, FOOTE

 

Charles G. LOCKE was born in Little Valley in 1850.  His parents were Edwin O. LOCKE and Mary M. FISH, daughter of the pioneer, Nathaniel FISH, and the first white child born in Mansfield.  Edwin O. died when Charles was three years old and he was adopted by Augustus GALLOWAY, who married his aunt, Nancy FISH.  Young LOCKE attended the common schools, the Ellicottville Union Free School, and received valuable instruction in mathematics from Mr. GALLOWAY.  He mastered civil engineering and surveying, and has followed it as a profession.  Mr. LOCKE is a vivid descriptionist and a writer of no mean ability.  He also has a farm of 150 acres in Little Valley Center.  He married Ella FOOTE.  His only brother, Edwin A. LOCKE, is the author of several celebrated dramas and comedies.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 780

 

Surname:  MACK

 

John F. MACK was born of German parents in East Otto in 1854.  He commenced his business life as a cooper, and in the fall of 1879 bought a farm of 133 acres in Little Valley.  He is an excellent farmer and a careful manager, and a man highly respected in the community.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 780 & 781

 

Surnames:  MANLEY, BITTUES, FENTON, SHANKLAND

 

Hon. John MANLEY, son of Amasa, was born in Norridgewock, Me., May 26, 1824.  Like other farmer boys he spent his youth at the common schools, where he obtained a good English education, and at labor on his father's farm.  In 1847 he married Elizabeth BITTUES at Augusta, Me., and in 1851 removed to Little Valley, where he engaged in farming, which avocation he continued for a number of years, and gradually became an extensive landowner.  He was early and prominently identified in politics, and first cast his lot with the Whig party.  At the organization of the Republican party be became one of its staunch supporters and took a leading part in its councils.  He first entered public life in 1860 as the representative of Little Valley on the Board of Supervisors and was re-elected almost unanimously for six more terms.  In 1861 he was appointed clerk in the Department of the Interior under Secretary Smith and served four years.  In 1864 he was detailed as a special Indian agent within the State of New York.  In March, 1865, he was appointed military secretary on the staff of Governor FENTON and held the position until May, 1866.  In the fall of 1872 he was elected to the Assembly from the Second District of Cattaraugus county and was re-elected the ensuing fall.  Mr. MANLEY gained considerable eminence as an agriculturist, and was the efficient president of the Cattaraugus County Agricultural Society seven years, being also a member of the Executive Committee of the Agricultural Society of the State of New York.  He was a man of few professions.  His religion as he expressed it consisted in faith in the Supreme Being and an endeavor to do right in all things.  He was successful in winning the esteem of his fellowmen. During the war he was especially active in the amelioration of the condition of the soldiers in the field and in prison, visiting personally the camps and outposts; and at home he assisted materially in recruiting organizations for the front.  He was pre-eminently the soldier's friend.  As a speaker and writer he was fluent and comprehensive.  His biographies of many of the local pioneers and eminent citizens are preserved as monuments in the history of western New York.  For many years he was secretary of the County Agricultural Society and his records of the proceedings of that body are exquisite models of neatness and thoroughness.  In the removal of the county seat to Little Valley he was especially active; according to the late Robert H. SHANKLAND he "stole it and tugged it over Fish hill in his carpet-bag."  He was not without his faults, but his name will live in history as representing one whose good deeds were many and whose acts were acts of kindness.  His widow, two daughters, and a son survive him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 781 & 782

 

Surnames:  MARKHAM, PHILLIPS, FIELD, CROSS

 

Lieut. William J. MARKHAM was born in Great Valley, March 25, 1826.  His father, William MARKHAM, was born in Manlius, Onondaga county.  He came to Cattaraugus county when twenty-two years old and married Rachel PHILLIPS, of Lyndon, theirs being the first marriage solemnized in that town.  He spent a, year in Olean and then settled on a new farm in Great Valley.  In 1841 he came to Little Valley, remained six or seven years on a farm, sold it, and returned to Great Valley, where he died in 1849.  His son married Sophronia FIELD in Nov., 1847, and settled on the farm where he now resides.  Sept. 23, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Cav., and Jan. 1, 1864, re-enlisted in Co. D of the same regiment, being commissioned second lieutenant and discharged July 17, 1865.  He was shot through the thigh at Brandy Station, Va.; at Berryville, Va., the bones above his ankle were broken by a shell; at Port Republic he received a stunning blow from a pistol on his head which fractured his skull; and by the bursting of a shell he was made permanently deaf.  He is a farmer and an ordained clergyman in the Church of the United Brethren.  He is a Republican and has served as overseer of the poor eighteen years.  Children:  Ambrose W., of Franklinville; Charles E.; Fanny (Mrs. Frank CROSS), of Allegany; Frank M.; Edgar C.; Clark F.; and Willard J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 782

 

Surname:  MEROW

 

John H. MEROW, born in Germany in 1823, came to America in 1858, and settled on a farm in the west part of this town, which he owned at the time of his death, which occurred May 6, 1890, by being crushed by a heavy log that accidentally rolled over him while he was assisting in building a log fence.  His wife survived him.  They had four children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 782

 

Surnames:  MOSHER, EASTON, WINTERS, LITTLE, HERRICK, TOLES

 

Gilbert L. MOSHER, son of Benjamin and Peace (EASTON) MOSHER was born in Leon, Nov. 9, 1844.  He was educated in the common schools, supplemented with a short attendance at Chamberlain Institute.  He was justice of the peace in Leon and Jan. 1, 1877, he accepted the position of deputy sheriff and jailor from George L. WINTERS, sheriff, and removed to Little Valley, holding the position three years.  In Nov., 1879, he was the nominee of the Republican party for the office of sheriff and was elected.  At the close of his term he was appointed under sheriff by John LITTLE, Jr., and served another three years.  Since then he has dealt in real estate, built several houses, and carried on his farm.  He has also dealt extensively in horses and cattle.  In 1890 he represented Little Valley as supervisor.  He has always been a Republican and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864.  In the fall of 1877 he married Adell L. HERRICK, of Gowanda, who died in 188 1 ; she was the mother of his only son.  In the fall of 1884 he married Agnes L. TOLES, of Dansville, who is the mother of his only daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 782

 

Surnames:  NILES, NOBLES, SALISBURY, GOWING, JOHNSON

 

Nathan S. NILES, born in Connecticut in 1810, was a blacksmith, and about 1832 came to Franklinville, where he opened a shop.  In 1834 he married Huldah J. NOBLES, who was born in Whitehall, N. Y., in 1818.  March 5, 1840, he settled in New Albion, erected a blacksmith shop, and carried on blacksmithing and farming.  In 1861 he enlisted as the blacksmith for a company in the 9th N. Y. Cav. and died of pneumonia at Washington, D. C., Feb. 18, 1862.  His widow resides on the homestead in New Albion.  Children:  Esther (Mrs. Hiram SALISBURY), deceased; Chauncey T.; Charles P., a soldier in the late war who died in Virginia near Manassas junction; Maryette (Mrs. Adolphus GOWING), deceased; Stephen M.; Mortimer A.; William F.; Gaylord,of Salamanca; and Clarissa E. (Mrs. Richard JOHNSON).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 782

 

Surnames:  OLDAY, HENRY

 

Ernest OLDAY, a native of Germany, was born in 1842 and came to America in 1867.  He settled in Little Valley in 1870, where he commenced his trade of carriage making.  He cast his lot with the Republican party when he first became a citizen and was commissioned postmaster in Sept., 1889.  In Jan., 1893, this office was promoted to third class and Mr. OLDAY was commissioned postmaster for four years more, but in July was succeeded by W. W. HENRY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 782

 

Surnames:  PARKER, SWEETLAND

 

Will C. PARKER, born in Machias, March 26, 1854, attended the common schools and the Fredonia Normal School, and at the age of about nineteen he commenced the tinner's trade, which he followed as clerk and journeyman about four years.  In Jan., 1879, he formed a partnership in. the hardware and grocery business with J. W. SWEETLAND, which continued about two years, when he bought of his partner the hardware business which he continues.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 782 & 783

 

Surnames:  PRATT, DEVEREUX, SMITH, MARKHAM, HUNTLEY, LITTLE, DARROW

 

Samuel PRATT came to Little Valley from Tinmouth, Vt., in 1838, and spent nearly a year in clearing fifteen or twenty of the seventy acres his son Lyman S. had secured for him by contract from Nicholas DEVEREUX.  He erected a log house and frame barn and was joined by his family in Sept., 1839.  He died May 15, 1856.  Lyman S. PRATT was born in Hubbardton, Vt., Dec. 17, 1813.  In 1841 he married Martha SMITH, of Pittsford, came to Little Valley, built a house and opened a wagon shop in a part of it, and upon the death of his father he purchased the homestead, carrying on also his carriage making business.  In 1864 he sold the homestead and removed to Randolph, where, in 1866, he purchased and opened a wagon shop and continued about five years.  In the spring of 1877 he again settled in Little Valley, on Fair Oaks street.  Children:  Mortimer N., Jerome L., and Alice (Mrs. Stephen MARKHAM).  Mortimer N. PRATT, born Jan. 28, 1845, attended the common schools and graduated at Randolph Academy and Nov. 14, 1866, married Hattie HUNTLEY.  At the age of seventeen he taught his first term of common school and continued to teach thirteen consecutive winters.  In Feb., 1867, he was elected justice of the peace and held the office sixteen years.  He served three years as assessor and one year as justice of sessions.  Jan. 1, 1883, he was appointed by Sheriff John LITTLE as his deputy.  Jan. 1, 1866, he was re-appointed by Mr. LITTLE's successor, A. E. DARROW.  In Nov., 1888, he was the nominee of his party and elected to the office of sheriff.  He is a staunch Republican, and has been continuously in office since he was twenty-two years of age.  Children:  Robert H., his father's deputy; Arthur J., a plumber and tinsmith in Little Valley; and Howard.  Mr. PRATT owns a farm of 180 acres, which includes the original homestead of two acres where his father first settled in 1841.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 783

 

Surnames:  RUNDELL, BAKER

 

Dwight F. RUNDELL, born in Harmony, Chautauqua county, Jan. 22, 1850, received a common school education, and at the age of eighteen entered his father's drug store, where he remained until he was twenty-five.  In 1875 he bought the drug store of Dr. D. P. BAKER in Little Valley.  Mr. RUNDELL is one of the trustees of the village and an active citizen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 783

 

Surnames:  RICH, SYKES

 

Marion J. RICH was born in New Albion, July 22, 1849.  He taught a district school one winter, and Dec. 30, 1869, married Caroline B. SYKES.  The next year he began mercantile business in the village of Cattaraugus and continued there until the autumn of 1876.  He has been town clerk, was deputy county clerk to Jan. 1, 1877, until Jan. 1, 1880, and county clerk one term.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 783

 

Surnames:  ROBERTS, CLARK, WILSON, HOBART, SMITH

 

Roswell ROBERTS was born in Bristol, Conn., April 5, 1797.  He married Mercy CLARK, a school teacher, who was born in Northampton Mass., June 9, 1797.  About 1824 or 1825 he came to Napoli, where he cleared a small plat, erected a log cabin, and moved his family into it.  He eventually gave the homestead to his, son, Albert W. ROBERTS, and died Sept. 25, 1879.  Mrs. ROBERTS died Aug. 23, 1869.  Children:  Adaline (Mrs. Artemas WILSON), born April 15, 1822, died in Napoli; Hannah (Mrs. HOBART), born April 20, 1826; Albert W.; and Abner L., of Derrick City, Pa., who was born Feb. 4, 1833.  Albert W. ROBERTS was born on the homestead May 31, 1828.  He married Melissa E. SMITH, Oct. 14, 1850, who was born in Napoli, Aug. 20, 1830.  He was a farmer till 1885, when he removed to Little Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 783

 

Surnames:  SIGMAN, RUSSELL

 

Martin P. SIGMAN, born in Germany in 1844, emigrated to America with his parents about 1847.  His father, Martin SIGMAN, became a citizen soon after he settled in New Albion.  He had served his native country seven years as a soldier.  His oldest son enlisted at the age of seventeen, on Oct. 14, 1861, in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged in Oct., 1864.  Mr. SIGMAN was never in the hospital and was appointed corporal in 1863 and promoted orderly-sergeant.  Feb. 18, 1872, he married Armenia RUSSELL and has resided in Little Valley since June, 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 783 & 784

 

Surnames:  SMITH, BRICE, McAVOY, BURGER

 

Wilbur J. SMITH, son of William D. SMITH, was born in Leon, July 4, 1842.  His father was a farmer and was born in Monroe county.  He married Phebe L. BRICE and as early as 1835 settled on a farm in Leon.  He first moved with his wife into a log cabin and struggled to make a home of his 100 acres, which he had paid for before he saw it at $1 per acre.  He died in 1858.  His oldest son, Willard D. SMITH, enlisted in the 37th N. Y. Vols. in April, 1861, and was discharged for disability in August following.  He re-enlisted in October of the same year in the 100th N. Y. Vols., served as a noncommissioned officer until Feb., 1864, and re-enlisted as a veteran for three years.  May 16, 1864, at the battle of Drury's Bluff, he was wounded in the ankle, was captured, was confined in Andersonville prison till Jan., 1865, and died at Florence, S. C., Jan. 30, 1865.  Wilbur J. enlisted in Sept., 1861, in the 100th N. Y. Vols., being mustered into service with his regiment in Dec., 1861.  Nearly all the time he was a non-commissioned officer and served as first sergeant about two years.  In 1863 he was commissioned second lieutenant, but was not mustered.  In Nov., 1863, he was granted a furlough of sixty days for good conduct on the battlefield and especially for bravery at the siege of Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863.  Aug. 21, 1863, at a charge on rifle pits at Forts Wagner and Gregg, he received a wound in his right thigh and still carries the two small bullets he received at that time.  In Sept., 1864, he was commissioned adjutant of his regiment, but was not mustered in on account of wounds which he received Oct. 27, 1864, while commanding his company on the old battlefield of Fair Oaks.  He was carried from this field to the Fly Hospital, thence to Hampton Hospital, Va., and finally mustered out of service in Buffalo, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1865.  He returned home and was so disabled that he performed no business for three years.  He then engaged in the insurance business in company with F. B. McAVOY, of Otto.  In Feb., 1869, he married Lizzie BURGER and lived in Otto until 1873, when he was appointed deputy sheriff and settled in Little Valley, where he still resides.  He was deputy sheriff four years, when he again conducted an insurance business four or five years and engaged in farming and in breeding and dealing in blooded horses.  Mr. SMITH has been president of the village and has held nearly all the offices of the corporation.  Children:  Clayton B., born in 1871; Cora N., born in 1873; and Winnifred E., born in 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 784

 

Surnames:  STRATTON, WHEELER, COOK, HILL, BROWN, FOSTER, FOY

 

James STRATTON, born in Athol, Mass., in 1786, married Betsey, daughter of Joshua WHEELER, and settled in Erie county in 1812, making the journey with two yoke of oxen in thirty days.  In 1819 they removed to Little Valley Center and settled on the farm now owned by Samuel COOK.  Mr. STRATTON died in Aug., 1874, and Mrs. STRATTON on Jan. 5, 1879.  Mr. STRATTON was industrious and enterprising and held several of the town offices.  Children:  Leander, who settled first near his father and removed about 1874 to Tennessee; Lorenzo, who married Sophia J. HILL, was a merchant in Cincinnati, Ohio, a farmer on the homestead, domesticated a herd of elk, in 1868 bought an extensive plantation in Tennessee, removed thither, built a saw-mill and grist-mill and a fine residence, and died there in June, 1884; Luana, who married Nathan C. BROWN, a farmer in Little Valley Center, and moved in 1868 to Tennessee; Achsah, a teacher who died at the age of twenty years; Louisa, who married Chester FOSTER, a farmer, and removed to Tennessee in 1875 ; and Zebulon L., who married Martha FOY, settled and lived on the homestead eleven years, and removed to Whig street in April, 1865, where Mr. STRATTON died Aug. 16, 1889.  He was a good scholar and a great reader.  Children:  Edward A., who has taught twenty terms of school and is now a teacher in Randolph, and Albert L., a teacher and farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 784 & 785

 

Surnames:  SWEETLAND, HOUGHTON, PALMER

 

The SWEETLAND family in America trace their ancestry to the Pilgrim fathers who came from England and settled in Massachusetts two or three years after the landing of the Mayflower.  Asa SWEETLAND, Sr., a native of Vermont, was born in 1784, married Tabitha HOUGHTON, who was born Sept. 2, 1788, and came with four children to Elba, Genesee county, in 1816.  In 1828 he removed to Little Valley and as early as 1831 all his children -- three sons and a daughter -- were residing near him.  Mr. SWEETLAND was a prominent member of the M. E. church and served as class-leader until he resigned on account of old age.  He died March 8, 1867.  His son, Rev. Lewis SWEETLAND, was born in Vermont, Jan. 2, 1810.  He settled in the west part of the town, his homestead being owned by his heirs.  For several years he was a local preacher of the M. E. church. Later, and for many years, he was an itinerant preacher of the Methodist Protestant church and died on his charge Sept. 17, 1883.  He married Lucilla PALMER; of his ten children only Emory, Sophia and Maria (twins), and Orlando are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 785

 

Surnames:  SWEETLAND, FISHER, HART

 

Asa SWEETLAND, Jr., born in Vermont, June 6, 1812, married Matilda FISHER, March 8, 1832, Whose father, William FISHER, was a pioneer of Little Valley.  They at once settled on the farm where he now lives.  At that time there was one habitation of the kind in sight and another on the site of the present Rock City Hotel.  Besides these three log cabins the entire territory of the village was a forest.  Both he and his wife were prominent members of the M. E. church.  He officiated as class-leader about twenty-five years and has been a member over sixty-six years.  Mrs. SWEETLAND died Dec. 18, 1887, leaving one surviving daughter, Altheda (Mrs. Horace HART).  Mrs. HART was born, raised, married, and commenced housekeeping on the homestead, and there her only child, Henry M., was born.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 785

 

Surnames:  SWEETLAND, SHORT, PARKER

 

John Wesley SWEETLAND, son of Rev. LEWIS, was born April 9, 1831.  He received a good English education and taught common schools in winter many years.  Jan. 4, 18547 he married Malvina F. SHORT and about two years after he bought forty acres of the homestead.  In Sept., 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., and at Arlington Heights was attacked with fever and sent to the hospital.  On partial recovery he was retained as a helper in the hospital, and remained in this position until discharged at the close of the war.  He then resumed farming.  In 1876 he removed to the village and had a position in the county clerk's office.  In the spring of 1879 he formed a partnership with W. C. PARKER as SWEETLAND &. PARKER in the hardware trade.  A year or two later Mr. SWEETLAND bought Mr. PARKER out and continued the business alone until the spring of 1884, when his son, S. L. SWEETLAND, became his partner as J. W. SWEETLAND & Son.  He died Sept. 7, 1884.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 785

 

Surnames:  SWEETLAND, BAILEY

 

S. L. SWEETLAND was born in Batavia, Genesee county, Sept. 8, 1855.  When two years old his parents removed to Little Valley, where he has since resided.  His education was obtained in the common schools with two years in Chamberlain Institute.  He learned the printer's trade in the office of the Cattaraugus Republican, where he was employed five years, and on the Bradford Era one year.  His father's health failed in 1833 and Lewis went home and conducted his father's hardware and grocery store.  Upon the death of his father in 1884 his mother became his partner under the firm name of S. L. SWEETLAND & Co.  He was clerk of Little Valley from 1884 to 1889.  Jan. 4, 1878, he married Ella R. BAILEY;  children:  Lee Wesley and S. L., Jr.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 785 & 786

 

Surnames:  SWEETLAND, HOLDRIDGE

 

Emory SWEETLAND, son of Rev. LEWIS, was born Oct. 14, 1835, married Mary J., daughter of  Zina HOLDRIDGE, and settled on a farm on the Bucktooth road.  He enlisted in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols., and served the last three years of the war, being discharged at Washington in 1865.  The last year of his service he was chief steward of Second Division, Twentieth Army Hospital.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 786

 

Surnames:  TRAVIS, BUFFINGTON, TEN EYCK, WILSON

 

Capt. William TRAVIS, born in Saratoga county, Dec. 27, 1796, married Sophia BUFFINGTON, of Saratoga, who was born in Kenebec county, Maine, Oct. 15, 1803.  They removed to Marcellus, N. Y., and in 1826 came to New Albion, where he was a farmer and carpenter.  He died Oct. 19, 1851.  He was justice of the peace several terms, and was noted as a successful pettifogger in justice's court.  In early life he was identified with the militia and was promoted to captain.  Of their four children the oldest, John TRAVIS, was born June 10, 1825, was raised in New Albion, and Dec. 4, 1843, married Anna M., daughter of Barrant TEN EYCK a blacksmith and an early settler.  In 1856 he permanently settled in the village of Little Valley, where he has since resided except about four years spent in Crawford county, Pa.  While in Little Valley he has been a farmer.  They had twelve children, of whom seven are living.  Their oldest child, Nancy J. (Mrs. William H. WILSON), died in Alabama, June 26, 1887.  The other four died in infancy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 786

 

Surname:  VICKERY

 

Edgar R. VICKERY, son of Arvin R. VICKERY, was born in Lysander, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1833.  His father settled on a farm in New Albion in 1852, where he remained until April, 1883, when he removed to Little Valley, where his son and daughter Elizabeth and aged widow now reside.  He died April 2, 1890.  Edgar R. VICKERY, on Sept. 3, 1861, enlisted in Co. I, 49th N. Y. Vols., and was mustered into service Sept. 6th.  He participated in the battles of Lewinsville, Va., Oct. 13, 1861; Watt's Creek, April 1 1862; Young's Mills, April 4, 1862; siege of Yorktown from April 5 to May 4, 1862; Lee's Mills, April 5 and 16; Williamsburg, May 5, 1862; Mechanicsville, May 26, 1892; Golding's Farm, June 5, 1862; New Bridge, June 18, 1862; Seven Days' Battle commencing June 25, 1862; Garnett's Farm, June 27, and Garnett's and Golding's Farm, June 28, 1862; Savage Station, June 29, 1862; White Oak Swamp Bridge, June 30, 1862; Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862; and Harrison's Landing, July 3, 1862, where a bullet passed through his canteen and where he received a bullet-wound in his right knee.  He was sent to judiciary Square Hospital in Washington, D. C., July 7, 1862, was transferred to Newton University Hospital, Baltimore, Aug. 28, and was discharged Feb. 19, 1863, upon a surgeon's certificate of disability.  He returned to his home on Feb. 28th.  He is now a farmer in the village of Little Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 786

 

Surname:  WATSON

 

James H. WATSON, born in Butler county, Pa., June 8, 1841, was raised a farmer, was educated in the common schools, and April 24, 1861, enlisted in Co. K, 8th Pa. Vols., being discharged July 29, 1861.  The next morning he enlisted in Co. E, 62d Pa. Vols., and was. dated back on the muster roll July 4, 1861.  He was discharged upon a surgeon's certificate of disability April 20, 1863.  He again enlisted, but was rejected.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Pages 786 & 787

 

Surnames:  WHEATON, CHASE, GIBSON, BRYANT, CARVER, BAILEY, FULLER

 

Gaius WHEATON was born in Worcester, Mass., in 1789 or 1790.  About 1820 he came to Little Valley Center, locating on the farm owned by his son Norman, the oldest person living who was born in the limits of the present town.  He married Lefa CHASE, daughter of the pioneer, David CHASE, and brought his bride to his little frame house, and both remained on the place to the close of their lives.  She died in early life and was the mother of all his children.  He was afterward twice married.  Mr. WHEATON was the first blacksmith in town and followed his trade several years.  He held town offices, was an active Free Mason, and a master of the lodge.  He died in 1863.  Children:  Hiram, who married, first, Mary GIBSON, and second, Olive BRYANT (the mother of two daughters), was a farmer first in Allegany and last in Ellicottville, and was proprietor of a grist-mill in Allegany, where he died; Norman, born in 1823, resides on the homestead, has always been a farmer, was raised a Democrat, but has been a Republican since the organization of the party, has been supervisor, justice of the peace, and assessor, married Harriet CARVER, and has children Viola (Mrs. Frank BAILEY) and Stanley N.; and Gaius, Jr.  Stanley N. WHEATON, born on the WHEATON homestead Dec. 1, 1857, received a good academic education, and at the age of sixteen commenced teaching district schools and taught eight terms.  At the same time he read law and at the age of twenty-one was appointed deputy county clerk, serving in that capacity about seven years and being clerk of the courts the last four years.  In 1881 he was admitted to the bar and in the fall of 1887 was elected school commissioner of the Second District of Cattaraugus county, and was re-elected to the office.  In 1880 Mr. WHEATON married Nettie, daughter of Cyrus A. FULLER and granddaughter of Cyrus W. FULLER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Little Valley – Chapter XXXIV (34)

Page 787

 

Surnames:  WHEATON, KELLY, GREEN, FULLER, BARNES, HALEY

 

Gaius WHEATON, Jr., was born Aug. 17, 1826, and is a farmer in Allegany.  He married Sarah KELLY, of Little Valley, July 9, 1848, who was born Nov. 10, 1829, and died in Allegany, March 4, 1878.  Sept. 6, 1882, he married, second, Mrs. Malinda GREEN, who was born April 2, 1844.  His children by his first wife were Miranda, born June 11, 1851, married Benjamin C. FULLER (deceased), Sept. 23, 1872; Florence, born May 15, 1856, married J. E. BARNES, Jan. 16, 1878; Jessie H., born March 1, 1863, married J. H. HALEY, Oct. 6, 1882; and Allen G., born Dec. 8, 1865.

 

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TOWN OF LYNDON

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1147

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, HEIST, MATTHEWS, SCOTT, SWIFT, GROVER, MAXWELL, CARPENTER

 

John ALLEN is the son of Joseph S. ALLEN, who was born in Ireland in 1792, and who was the son of John ALLEN.  Joseph S. came to America as a soldier in the British army during the War of 1812, from which he deserted near the Canada line.  He first settled in Washington county, N. Y., and married Nancy HEIST in 1818; children: John; Henry H., born in 1821 was drafted and paid $300, went to Virginia, and died there; Mary H., born in 1823, married George W. MATTHEWS, of Reading, N.Y., who went to Richmond county, Wis., and had children Charles A., George W., John W.; Joseph, born in 1825; Nancy born in 1828, who married Jeptha SCOTT and had children Charles and Myra; Sarah, born in 1831, who married Matthew SWIFT; and Daniel, who married Grace GROVER and had one child, Alice.  John ALLEN was born in Reading, N. Y., in the year 1819, and came with his father to Tyrone, N. Y., and thence in 1836 to Lyndon, and settled on the farm now owned by Robert MAXWELL.  About 1840 John ALLEN bought the farm of 180 acres now the property of his nephew, John W. MATTHEWS, where he lived till 1893.  Mr. ALLEN has never married and with a handsome competence spends his time with his relatives.  John W. MATTHEWS came to Lyndon in 1891, married Eugenie CARPENTER, of Waukesha, Wis., in 1892, and settled on the John ALLEN farm.  His mother died in 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1147

 

Surnames:  BISSELL, PULLIN

 

Aaron BISSELL was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1805.  He early came to Tyrone N. Y., where he resided three or four years, and where he married Delilah PULLIN.  As early as 1830 he removed with his wife to Lyndon and settled on a wood lot of about 100 acres, the farm upon which his son William now resides.  He was a good financier and was noted as a breeder of good cattle, horses, and sheep.  In early life he was interested in military affairs and rose to the position of captain.  He was supervisor several terms and magistrate for many years.  He died in Dec., 1878.  Mrs. BISSELL died on the homestead Oct. 28, 1883.  They had ten children, of whom five are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Pages 1147 & 1148

 

Surnames:  BROCKWAY, JONES, STRAIGHT, HOWARD, THRALL, SPENCER

 

Ezra M. BROCKWAY is the grandson of Ezra BROCKWAY, of Connecticut, who married Lydia JONES in 1817 and came to Lyndon in 1818.  He bought 174 acres of land at $2,50 per acre.  Children: Ezra, Horace, Laura, Martha, Rufus, Herman, and Leonard.  Ezra, born in 1820, married, in 1841, Amy STRAIGHT, who was born in Smithfield, N. Y., in 1818; children: Tacy A., who married Samuel HOWARD, of Franklinville, and Ezra M., who was born in 1848.  In 1869 Ezra M. married Ellen THRALL; children: Bertie, who married James SPENCER, of Lyndon; Hermon; Phronie B.; and Bulia E.  Ezra BROCKWAY died in 1848.  He was a member of the Free Baptist church and prominent in town affairs.  Ezra M. is a farmer on the homestead, deals in live stock, has been constable five years, collector two years, and highway commissioner.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1148

 

Surnames:  CAMP, TIFFANY, PETTIT, MILLER, ELWOOD, SALISBURY

 

Chester F. CAMP is the son of Robert CAMP, of Otsego county, N. Y., and the grandson of Benjamin CAMP, who lived to be 103 years old.  Robert CAMP married Harriet TIFFANY; children: George (who went into the army and was killed at Pittsburg Landing), Mary, Eliza Ann, Chester F., Welcome, and Harriet.  Robert CAMP brought his family to Centerville, N. Y., and about 1835 bought of Amos PETTIT, for $3.50 per acre, the farm Chester F. now owns.  The latter married, in 1850, Cordelia A., daughter of John MILLER, of New Hudson.  Their eldest child, De Los, is a traveling agent for the Buckeye Mower and Reaper Company.  He married Emma ELWOOD; children: Mary, Flora, Maggie, and Cora.  Flora, the youngest of their two children, married William SALISBURY, of Buffalo; children: Willie and Sadie.  Mr. CAMP spends a portion of his time traveling for a fertilizer company.  He is quite a collector of Indian relics, finding a good many on his own and neighboring farms.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1148

 

Surnames:  CASE, MELROSE, McSTAY

 

Edward N. CASE, son of Thomas and Betsey (MELROSE) CASE, of Franklinville, was born in Lyndon, Dec. 9, 1849.  He was reared on the farm and attended Franklinville Academy.  In 1875 he married Lizzie E., daughter of William McSTAY.  They have one child, Ralph E.  Mr. CASE is a large dairy farmer on the homestead of 233 acres, where he was born.  He built in 1887 the finest barn in Lyndon and one of the best in Cattaraugus county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1148

 

Surnames:  CASWELL, ROACH

 

Decimal W. CASWELL is the son of Anthony CASWELL, the early settler, whose father, Allen, was of German extraction.  Their experiences as pioneers frequently furnished material for thrilling stories.  When out hunting the nights were often so dark in the woods that they could not find their way home and would camp out.  The morning light often disclosed the fact that they were less than a half-mile from home.  It was a frequent experience that the straw in their beds had to be fed to the cow or oxen to get through the long cold spring.  Decimal W. CASWELL was born in 1847 and has always been a farmer.  In 1872 he married Orlinda ROACH; children: Archie T., Medie M., Merl A., Darwin W., Lora, Mary A., and John.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1148

 

Surnames:  CLARK, McDONALD, BURR, MARBLE, GOSS

 

George P. CLARK is the son of Selah CLARK, of Onondaga county, N. Y., who married Mary McDONALD and was the father of three children: Harriet M., Sophia R., and George P. (who was born in 1823).  Selah CLARK came to Lyndon in 1834 and paid $151.25 for the farm of 110 acres which George P. now owns.  The latter, in 1853, married Electa BURR; children: Charles, who married Martha MARBLE and died aged thirty, leaving one child, Ellie; Effigene (Mrs. Harlow GOSS); Ruth; Essel; Homer, of Farmersville; Addie; and Courtland.  Mr. CLARK's father died in 1878 and his mother in 1883.  He has always been a farmer and now keeps a dairy of sixteen cows.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Pages 1148 & 1149

 

Surnames:  CLEMENT, DEAN, FULLER, BROWN, MILLER, ECKENSON, WAITE, WHITNEY

 

Anson CLEMENT is the son of Sewell and the grandson of Timothy CLEMENT, of Montreal, Canada.  Sewell CLEMENT went to Vermont and came thence in 1843 to Pike, N. Y., where he settled and spent the remainder of his life as a farmer.  He married Aseneth DEAN, from Connecticut; children:  Stillman, who married Adeline FULLER, of Rutland county, Vt., settled in Franklinville, and has nine children; Sewell, of Pike, who married Relief BROWN and has seven children; Louisa (Mrs. Porter MILLER), of Pike, who died in 1887; Almira (Mrs. Thomas ECKENSON), of Pike, who died in 1888; Timothy, who married Mary WAITE, of Lyndon, and died there; Anson; Jesse, who married Mrs. Timothy CLEMENT and lives in Farmersville; and Susan, who married Washington WHITNEY, of Pike, and has three children.  Anson CLEMENT was born in 1827 and has always been a farmer.  He enlisted in 1861 and entered the Army of the Potomac.  He was in the battles of Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and the Wilderness, and was discharged in 1865.  He settled the next year on the farm he now owns.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1149

 

Surnames:  DAVIDSON, PHILLIPS, WHITERIGHT

 

George H. DAVIDSON is the son of George and Gene DAVIDSON, who were born in Scotland, came to America in 1842, and settled on the farm now the home of their son.  Of their six children Jessie, John, and Alexander were born in Scotland and George H., Mary A., and Margaret J. in Lyndon.  George H., born in 1843, became a soldier in 1862 and was taken prisoner at Gettysburg.  Of his army experiences he says: "I was taken to Belle Isle prison, where 9,000 men were confined on four acres of ground.  We got so poor as we drew nearer and nearer to death by starvation and exposure that we had to dig a little trench in the ground when we lay down at night for our hip bones to rest in.  It was winter and we lay close together, spoon fashion, to keep warm.  One night Loren PHILLIPS sang out ‘right-face’, which was an order to turn over, for when one turned all the rest of that squad had to turn also.  One of us asked what was the matter.  ‘I can't stand these lice any longer; I am willing they should have a square meal, but when they get full and bite off chunks and throw them at each other it's beyond endurance,' was the reply.  His humor was hardly an exaggeration.  Many a time we walked most of the night to keep from freezing.  I actually lost 100 pounds of flesh -- from 190 to ninety -- and then went one day and lay down with the sick ones and smuggled myself into the hospital, whence I had the good luck to be exchanged.  I was the only one out of fifty in one ward of the hospital who lived."  After recuperating Mr. DAVIDSON returned to Chattanooga and was at the battle of Nashville.  Since the war he has been a farmer, except a year in a foundry in Cuba and keeping a store at Rawson from 1886 to 1893.  In 1870 he married Mary A. WHITERIGHT; children: John A., Genie, and Jessie.  Mr. DAVIDSON was elected assessor in 1889 and is now president of the Rawson Farmers' Alliance.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1149

 

Surnames:  DAY, SMART, WILLIAMS, WESTBROOK, PERSONS, SMITH, LANE

 

Thomas DAY, son of Robert, of Lincolnshire, England, was born in Minting, Eng. May 12, 1805.  At the age of twenty-three he came to this country and settled in Pittsford, Monroe county, where he remained about seven years.  In 1835 he came to Lyndon.  In 1834 he married Dorothy SMART, of Dean, England.  Children: Justina E.; Brice, who died in the army; Mary Jane (Mrs. Allan WILLIAMS), of Ischua; Lucy Ann (Mrs. Ira WESTBROOK), of Missouri; Elisha, of Michigan; Thomas Benjamin, of Port Allegany Pa; Carolina C. (Mrs. Charles Wesley PERSONS), of Jamestown, N. Y.; Julia A. (Mrs. Alfred SMITH), who died in 1879; and Eupheme (Mrs. Gustavus LANE) of Centerville, Allegany county.  Mr. DAY died in March, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Pages 1149 & 1150

 

Surnames:  FRARY, HIGBEE, NOLAN

 

Arden M. FRARY is the grandson of John FRARY who came with his family from Madison county, N. Y., in 1817, bringing all their goods on an ox-cart, and settled on 145 acres of land, on which his son Joshua was born in 1820, and which is now the property of Arden M.  Joshua FRARY married, in 1846, Mary A., daughter of David HIGBEE, of Onondaga county, N. Y.; children: Lovina J., who died young, and Arden M., who was born in 1847.  He attended the common schools and Rushford Academy, and finally became an expert in cheese making.  He made cheese in Rawson in 1873-74, at Elgin four years, and was running a factory in Allegany in 1879, when cheese ran down to five cents a pound.  Besides farming, to which he returned in 1881, he still gives his attention to marketing cheese.  A Republican in politics he served as supervisor in 1881, 1882, 1883, and 1886.  He married, in 1876, Bridget NOLAN; children: Irvin M., Mary, Hattie, and Ruth (who died when five years old).  Joshua FRARY was active and prominent in military affairs and was captain and lieutenant-colonel.  He died in 1849.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1150

 

Surnames:  GILLMAN, GILLIMAN, RANDOLPH, MORRIS, ELMER

 

John GILLMAN and Isabella RANDOLPH, his wife, emigrated from New Jersey to Cambridge, N. Y., where their son Charles was born Feb, 9, 1803.  The family removed thence to Otisco, Onondaga county, in 1811, and May 1, 1824, started for Cattaraugus county.  They arrived at Angelica a few days after Howe was executed, and after crossing the Genesee river they came to Rawson settlement and thence to the center of what is now Lyndon.  A few days before Elias Hopkins and Charles Howell had arrived and claimed to be agents for the Holland Land Company.  Charles GILLMAN and Henry MORRIS examined every lot in town.  MORRIS selected a lot in the east part, purchased 300 acres, and GILLMAN took 200 acres adjoining him on the west, the latter paying $150 towards the deed the two agents were to procure.  But this agreement Hopkins and Howell never fulfilled.  About a year after the family's arrival Mrs. GILLIMAN died and her husband followed her in Feb., 1835, at Otisco, N. Y.  In 1832 Charles GILLMAN began a mercantile business in Rushford, Allegany county, and Oct. 11, 1832, he married Julia ELMER, of Hume, N. Y.  He removed to Rochester in 1864, to Washington, D. C., in 1869, to New York in 1876, and to Olean in 1887 where he still resides.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1150

 

Surnames:  GOSS, WOOD, NICHOLS, REESE, McCALL, CLARK, CURRIE, GOULD

 

Daniel GOSS is the son of Henry GOSS, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1796, who married Mary WOOD, and who came to America in 1832, settling in Lyndon on the farm now owned by his son Daniel which cost him $250 for 100 acres.  Children: John, Charles, Joseph, George, David, and Daniel.  The latter was born at Little Linford, England, in 1827.  Daniel learned the carpenter's trade.  In 1849 he married Savannah NICHOLS; children: James, a miller in Franklinville, who married Sarah REESE, and has one child, Nellie; Elizabeth (Mrs. Alexander McCALL), of Franklinville; Harlow, who married Effie CLARK and has children Earl, Bessie, Ruth, and Ethel; Mary (Mrs. William CURRIE), whose children are Afton, Alexander, Frank D., Gerrald, and Mary; and Haydon, who married Jennie GOULD and lives in Franklinville.  Mr. and Mrs. GOSS at the time of their marriage settled on the homestead, which now contains 185 acres.  Since 1860 he has done considerable blacksmithing and wagon repairing.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Pages 1150 & 1151

 

Surnames:  HOAG, WOOD, LOCKWOOD, INGALLS, HEDDING

 

Elijah HOAG is the grandson of Elijah HOAG, of Vermont, who came to Lansing, N. Y., where his son Elisha was born in 1807.  Elisha married Anna WOOD, of Enfield, N. Y., in 1831.  The same year he came to Lyndon and settled on the farm now owned by Charles LOCKWOOD, where he lived sixty-one years and died in 1892.  Children: Elijah, Phebe A., Samuel W., Israel (who married Amelia INGALLS, of Cuba, settled in Ischua in 1865, and has children Alice M. and Lizzie), and John O.  Elisha HOAG held the offices of assessor and highway commissioner several terms each.  His son Elijah was born in Lydon in 1831 and has always been a farmer.  In 1855 he married Sarah E., daughter of David HEDDING, of Ischua, who was born in Germany.  After four years' residence in Wisconsin they returned and bought their present farm on the county line, paying $20 per acre for it.  They have one child, Orson A., who was born in Wisconsin in 1856.  He has taught school several terms and in 1890 served as poormaster.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1151

 

Surnames:  LITTLE, STEDMAN, McCONNOCHIE, FOX, WALDO

 

William LITTLE is a son of Richard and a grandson of William LITTLE, of Castle Douglas, Scotland, who was a contractor and engineer, and who went to England, where he married Elizabeth STEDMAN.  Children: William, Richard, Jane, James G., Mary, Elizabeth, and Isabel.  Richard was born in Whitby, England, in 1795, and removed to Castle Douglas, Scotland, where he became a house joiner.  He married Agnes McCONNOCHIE; children: Isabel, Elizabeth, William, John, Richard, and James.  The latter died at sea during the passage of the family to America in 1833.  Richard LITTLE brought his family to Lyndon in August of that year and settled on the farm his son John now owns.  His brother William had come to Philadelphia about 1820 and to Lyndon some ten years later.  William had also learned his father's trade and became a contractor and builder, and the two soon became widely known, doing work singly or together in Buffalo, Rochester, Olean, Rushford, Cuba, Arcade, Franklinville, and many other places.  Richard LITTLE died in 1858.  His son has been an active builder until within a few years.  William LITTLE married, in 1869, Mrs. Eunice L. FOX, daughter of Horatio N. WALDO, of Arcade, N. Y.  Children: Agnes (who died when one year old), Richard W., Rachel E., Agnes E., and James R.  Richard LITTLE was supervisor of Lyndon from 1867 to 1871 inclusive.  William LITTLE was originally a Republican, but is now a staunch Farmers' Alliance supporter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1151

 

Surnames:  MAXWELL, TAIT, SCOTT, JOHNSON, MITCHELL

 

James J. MAXWELL, son of James, was born in 1852.  James married Jane TAIT, of Kirkpatrick, Dunham, Scotland, in 1841; children: John and James J.  The latter married, in 1881, Mary M. SCOTT and has children Alfred, Frank S., and Ella Jane.  Mr. MAXWELL was supervisor of Lyndon in 1884 and 1885, assessor one term, and census enumerator in 1890.

 

William MAXWELL, son of John, was born near Dumfries, Scotland, May 13, 1814.  When nineteen he came to America, settling in Lyndon about 1835.  Dec. 29, 1846, he married Margaret JOHNSON, of Franklinville, and had two sons: Robert, a farmer in Lyndon, and John William, a civil engineer and president and general manager of the Lima Steel Company, of Lima, Ohio.  Mr. MAXWELL was commissioner of highways three terms.  His son Robert has been supervisor.  Robert MAXWELL married, in 1872, Isabella A. MITCHELL.  Children: Margaret, John, and Anna G.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1151

 

Surnames:  McLENNAN, FRAZER, JOHNSON

 

Colin McLENNAN, son of Roderick, of Scotland, was born June 11, 1811.  Coming to America in 1835 he lived in various places in New England and New Jersey and about 1837 came to Lyndon, where he purchased the farm he still occupies.  June 15, 1849, he married Ann FRAZER, of Scotland; children: Anna (Mrs. William JOHNSON); Hon. Peter B., of Syracuse, N. Y., justice of the Supreme Court; Christina; John, a lawyer of Syracuse, N. Y.; Roderick C., a physician in Syracuse; and Donald T., a lawyer in Syracuse.  This is one of the most prominent families the town ever claimed as citizens.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Pages 1151 & 1152

 

Surnames:  McSTAY, McCREEDY, CASE, WILDRICK, MAYBEE, SCOTT, CARPENTER

 

William McSTAY son of John McSTAY, was born in Ireland in 1826.  In 1847 he came alone to Wheatland, Monroe county, N. Y., and in 1851 married Mary McCREEDY.  He came in 1854 to Lyndon.  Children: Lizzie (Mrs. Edward CASE), who has one child, Ralph; Mary (Mrs. Eben WILDRICK), whose children are Ethel and Georgie; Emma (Mrs. John MAYBEE whose children are Ray and Paul; John, of Tioga, Pa.; James, of Franklinville; and Jennie.  Mr. McSTAY married, second, in 1881, Mrs. Samuel SCOTT, daughter of Fred CARPENTER, of Ischua.  In 1865 he was drafted and went to the front in Co. D, 96th N. Y. Vols., serving on the James river and in Tennessee.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1152

 

Surnames:  METCALF, VAN STEINBERG, PORTER, HALL, McGEORGE, WOOD

 

Gilbert METCALF is the son of Nelson, the grandson of Levi, and the great-grandson of Nathan METCALF, who moved from Vermont to Salisbury, N. Y. where his son Levi was born in 1792.  Levi married Diana VAN STEINBERG, by whom he had one child, Nelson, born in 1814.  Nelson METCALF came to Lyndon in 1836 and married in 1837, Sophronia PORTER; children: Nelson, born in 1843, married Orsevilla HALL, and has children Sophronia, Anna, Fred, and George; Gilbert; and Frank, who, in 1870, married Maggie McGEORGE, lives in Erie county, and has five children.  Gilbert METCALF was born in 1848 and was reared a farmer.  In 1868 he married Maria, daughter of Gilbert WOOD, of Lyndon; children: Viola, Phebe, and Luella.  Besides managing his farm he has given considerable attention to the oil business.  He owns six wells in Little Genesee and leases new territory.  He is also an agent for wind-mills.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1152

 

Surnames:  NEWMAN, WINCHEL, JENKS, BOZWORTH, MUNGER, FORD, WARNER, BAKER

 

Mansel NEWMAN, son of Thomas NEWMAN, an old resident of Vermont, was born in Henrietta, Monroe county, N. Y., March 19, 1816.  He came to Cuba, Allegany county, in 1824, where he remained about thirty years.  He married Fanny WINCHEL, of Lyndon, who died about 1838; children: Alzina and Mary Ann, both deceased.  About 1840 he married Dealy JENKS, also of Lyndon, who died in 1872; children: Sarah Jane, widow of Emory BOZWORTH, of Allegany county; James Otis, of Cuba; Mary L., who died in 1889; Thomas M., of Randolph; William L.; and George W.  In 1856 he married, third, Adeline MUNGER, who lived in Cuba, and who died in 1872; children: Newell, Eunice J. (Mrs. De Lancy FORD), Emma A. (Mrs. Alonzo WARNER), and Nancy, who died in 1878.  March 5, 1876, he married Anna BAKER, of Allegany county, who died in 1892.  Mr. NEWMAN died in 1891.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1152

 

Surnames:  PERRY, KNICKERBOCKER, SALISBURY, DUNN

 

Josiah Q. PERRY, son of Ebenezer, was born in Canandaigua, N. Y., Nov. 12, 1812.  In 1840 he married Emily M. KNICKERBOCKER, of Rushford, N. Y.; children: Egbert F., of Lyndon, and Addice E., of Belfast, N. Y.  In 1845 Mr. PERRY brought his family hither and bought his present farm of 200 acres of Lorentis SALISBURY, of Franklinville, for $6 per acre.  It had been held for a higher price by men in New York city, who expected the Erie railway would pass through Rawson.  Mr. PERRY was one of the builders of the first cheese factory in Cuba in 1865 and made cheese there two or three years.  This was the second in this section, the Rushford factory being the first.  He was first elected supervisor of Lyndon in 1854 and, served five consecutive years, and again in 1872, and was several terms assessor and justice of the peace.  His son, Egbert F. PERRY, born in 1844, remains on the farm with his father.  He married, in 1875, Jennie B. DUNN, of Lyndon; children: Lelia B., Lottie M., Bessie G., Hortense, Leslie, and Josephine.  Mr. PERRY has been collector and assessor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1152

 

Surnames:  PRATT, CAMP, THOMPSON

 

Jeremiah PRATT, Jr., son of Jeremiah, was born in Burlington, N. Y., and came with his family to Lyndon in 1843, settling on the farm where Chester CAMP now resides.  He died in 1853. Children: William H., T. C., E. O., E. F., Harriet A. (Mrs. R. L. THOMPSON), and Albert A.  Edward F. was killed Sept. 4, 1864, near Berryville, Va.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Pages 1152 & 1153

 

Surnames:  ROAT, LUCE, SNYDER

 

Chancy W. ROAT is a son of Hiram W. ROAT who was born in Orange county, N. Y., and came to Lyndon in 1865, paying $2,000 for the 85 acre farm which Chancy W. now occupies.  Hiram W. married Fannie LUCE, of Tompkins county; children: Theodore, Sarah A., Emily, Chancy W., Orlando, Orlinda, and Leetta.  Chancy W. was born in 1853 in Ithaca, N. Y., and married, in 1872, Adeline SNYDER, of Lyndon.  Children: Ella and Nora.  Mr. ROAT has always been a farmer, residing on the homestead since 1882.  He has been constable and collector in Lyndon, and is a trustee in the Abbott cheese factory.  His mother died in 1892.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1153

 

Surnames:  SCOTT, McKENZIE, MORTON, NELSON, STINSON, SNYDER, MAXWELL, HOOD, HENDERSON

 

James SCOTT is a son of John and Mary (McKENZIE) SCOTT, of Dumfries, Scotland.  Of their six children--Agnes, John, Robert, James, Margaret, and William T. -- all but John and Robert came to Lyndon.  Agnes came about 1844; her husband, William MORTON, had come a year or two earlier.  James came in 1847 and bought, in 1848, 100 acres of his present 200-acre farm at $6 an acre.  He learned the ship carpenter's trade in England and has been a house carpenter here in addition to farming.  He married Mary NELSON in 1852; children: Jennet (Mrs. Robert STINSON), of Ohio; John, who died aged twenty-three; Robert, who married Elizabeth SNYDER and has children Ruth and Mabel; Mary (Mrs. James MAXWELL), who has children Alfred, Frank, and Ella J.; and Nelson, of Wyoming, who married Lydia HOOD.  In 1870 Mr. SCOTT married, second, Mary HENDERSON; children: William H., George B., and Richard L.  The springs which supply the water for the village of Franklinville are on Mr. SCOTT's farm; the works were built in 1891.  Mr. SCOTT has served as highway commissioner, seven years as town clerk, and is now an excise commissioner.  In 1864 he enlisted and served under Admiral Porter on the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers.  He belongs to Alanson Crosby Post, G. A. R., and since 1882 has been an elder in the United Presbyterian church in Lyndon.  His father, John SCOTT, who came here in 1854, died in 1869.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1153

 

Surnames:  SPOFFORD, McKINNEY, McVEIGH, MORRIS, NORTHRUP, GILLMAN, GORDON, De La MARTYR

 

John W. SPOFFORD is a son of Thomas and a grandson of John B. SPOFFORD, of Brocket's Bridge, N. Y.  Thomas married Julia McKINNEY, from Connecticut; children: James P., who married Susan McVEIGH, of Franklinville and now lives in Jersey City; and John W., born in 1837.  Thomas SPOFFORD died in 1839, and his widow and her two sons came to Rushford, N. Y., the same year.  In 1843 she married Henry MORRIS, of Lyndon, who had settled in 1824 on the farm now her home and the home of her son John W.  Henry MORRIS, from Connecticut, married, first, Sarah NORTHRUP and second Isabella GILLMAN, by whom he had two children: Orra (Mrs. Cyrus GORDON), of Rushford, N. Y., and Lucy (Mrs. Walter De La MARTYR), deceased.  Mr. MORRIS was elected in 1829 the first supervisor of Lyndon, and again in 1837, 1838, 1840, 1841, 1853, and in 1859.  Near a spring on his farm the Indians had a favorite camping ground, where they gathered as late as 1835.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon  – Chapter L (50)

Page 1153

 

Surnames:  STONE, PIERCE, WORTHINGTON, SMITH, NEWCOMB, DYE

 

Dewitt C. STONE is a son of Edmund STONE, of Madison county, N. Y., who was born in 1800 and came to Farmersville in 1821.  His wife was Sally PIERCE; children: Jennett, Jonathan O., Maranda O., Dewitt C., Sarah A., and William F.  Mrs. STONE died and he married, second, Rebecca WORTHINGTON; children: Priscilla, James M., Lucy, Mary, and Edmund.  James M. enlisted in the army and received a bullet wound in his leg at Winchester.  Edmund enlisted in the 64th Regt. and was killed at Gettysburg.  Dewitt C. was born in 1830.  He became a carpenter and builder, at which trade he has worked most of the time for the past thirty years.  In 1853 he married Harriet R., daughter of John B. SMITH, of Herkimer county; children: Frank, who married Nancy NEWCOMB and has one child, Floyd; and Fred L., who married Cora DYE and has one child, Clayton.  Edmund STONE was justice of the peace several years and in 1852 was elected supervisor of Lyndon.  Dewitt C. STONE has been highway commissioner, assessor, and justice of the peace.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon – Chapter L (50)

Page 1154

 

Surnames:  THOMPSON, DEYO, FARGO, McKAIGUE, FRARY

 

James R. THOMPSON is a son of John and grandson of Robert THOMPSON, of Genesee county, N. Y.  John married Sarah DEYO; children: James R., Nathan, Caroline, Rebecca E., Marlin D., John S., Andrew J., Sarah M., Catharine, and George W.  James R. was born in 1817, came to Lyndon in 1839, and married Sally A. FARGO in 1842; children: Addison S.; John E., born in 1845, enlisted in the Civil war, and died in service; David, of Rushford; and Frank E., who died aged three years.  Addison S. was born in 1843, enlisted in the army in 1861, re-enlisted in the field in Co. E., 5th N. Y. Cav., and had three horses shot from under him.  He married Eunice McKAIGUE; children: Robert E., John, and Mary.  He is an expert cheese maker.  Always a Republican he served his Assembly district in the Legislatures of 1890 and 1891.  Mrs. Sally (FARGO) THOMPSON died in 1853, and he married, second, Mrs. Sarah A. FRARY in 1856; children: Estella, Frank, Charles, Adelia, and Dennella.  James R. THOMPSON was supervisor of Lyndon in 1862 and 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Lyndon – Chapter L (50)

Page 1154

 

Surnames:  THOMPSON, STEVENSON, MOREHOUSE

 

Milton F. THOMPSON, son of Hiram, was born April 29, 1844, in Utica N. Y.  Aug. 5, 1862, he enlisted in Co. K, 117th N. Y. Vols., and was with the regiment till his discharge June 8, 1865.  Jan. 6, 1866, he came to Franklinville.  In 1867 he married Emma M., daughter of John and Eliza A. (MOREHOUSE) STEVENSON.  In 1868 he moved to Farmersville, where he resided till 1869, when he removed to Sardinia, N. Y., where he resided eight years.  He came to Lyndon in 1877.

 

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TOWN OF MACHIAS

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 793

 

Surnames:  AUSTIN, SMITH, KNIGHT, BAILEY

 

Marvin AUSTIN, son of Edwin A. and Polly (SMITH) AUSTIN, was born April 3, 1833.  His father, a native of Massachusetts, was born Oct. 8, 1806; his mother was born Nov. 11, 1812.  They were married Feb. 13, 1830, and settled in Farmersville near the Machias line in 1832.  In 1870 they removed to Michigan.  Both are deceased, and their remains repose side by side in the cemetery at Elton in Freedom.  Marvin AUSTIN has always been a farmer.  He had dealt largely in cattle, sheep, and swine, and for six years from 1883 was a merchant in Machias.  He served the town on the Board of Supervisors  in 1875 and again in 1876 and has been postmaster.  In Sept., 1854, he married Angeline KNIGHT, who was the mother of his daughter Georgieann, and who died in Sept. 1865.  He married A. Eliza BAILEY on Nov. 5, 1868, and they have one daughter, Lizzie.,

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 793

 

Surnames:  BAKER, BEACH, SHERWIN

 

Marcus BAKER, son of Jonathan and Betsey (BEACH) BAKER, was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1802.  In 1829 he married Permelia SHERWIN in Madison county and in 1842 the made a permanent settlement in Machias on the farm where his son Edwin now resides.  Mrs. BAKER died in 1870 and Mr. BAKER in 1871.  Edwin BAKER, born inCortland county in 1831, succeeded his father on the homestead.  He began teaching at the age of sixteen and continued to teach in winter until he was forty.  He has served his town as supervisor seven consecutive years.  He was town superintendent of schools and served as justice of the peace, except one term, since 1859.  He served as coroner one term and has been journal clerk of the Board of Supervisors eleven consecutive years and was chairman of the board in 1872.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 793 & 794

 

Surnames:  BESSEY, JEFFERSON, GOULD, HAWKINS, PEET

 

Ira BESSEY was born in Rutland, Vt, about 1786.  His parents came to Pembroke, Genessee county, and a few years later Ira married Judith JEFFERSON, who was born in Vermont, Aug. 11, 1793.  They settled there, where their four children were born.  They removed to Machias in Nov., 1831, where Mr. BESSEY died Oct. 15, 1833.  Mrs. BESSEY died Feb. 22, 1869.  William BESSEY, their oldest son, born Dec. 16, 1816, raised the younger children to mature years, bought the homestead, and has deeded one-half of it to his son-in-law, Lyman GOULD.  Mr. BESSEY married Harriet HAWKINS, Mar. 19, 1843.  She was born in Otsego county, NY., Dec. 20, 1820, and died April 29, 1892.

Children:

Philena M., born Oct. 23, 1845, died May 25, 1858

Judith, born Dec. 1, 1847, married Lyman GOULD Jan 19, 1870.

Mr. BESSEY raised an adopted son, James Monroe BESSEY, who married Eva PEET.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 794

 

Surnames:  BREWER, McINTYRE, PORTER, BUTTON, BECKWITH

 

Jared Augustus BREWER, only son of Jacob T. and Esther (McINTYRE) BREWER, was born in New Berlin, NY, Mar. 5, 1811, and came with his father to Farmersville in May, 1833, where Jacob T. died Feb. 23, 1850.  In 1848 he moved to Machias, settling on the first deeded land in the town.  Mr. Brewer married, in 1830, Sybil E. PORTER; children: Esther Eliza (Mrs. J.E.K. BUTTON) born Aug. 4, 1831, & died Jan. 7, 1872;  Maria Jennett (Mrs. Luther A. BECKWITH), born June 24, 1833, died Oct 23, 1861.  Mr. BREWER filled nearly all of the town offices and represented Machias as supervisor in 1855 and 1856.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 794

 

Surnames:  BUSH, STROUD, MARVIN, ALLEN, WRIGHT, ORNE, BLIGHTON

 

Samuel BUSH, son of John and Jane (STROUD) BUSH, was born in Tompkins county, Nov. 23, 1794.  He spent a few years with his grandfather STROUD, a prominent citizen of Stroudsburg, PA, and married, in Tompkins county, Sally Maria MARVIN in Nov., 1817, where he settled as a farmer.  In March, 1824, he came with his family to Yorkshire (now Machias).  He cleared his farm of 160 acres, sold it, and removed to another, now in the village of Machias.  In a few years he owned 360 acres on the Franklinville road, where he died April 18, 1865.  Mr. BUSH was a prominent citizen and his quaint expressions are still remembered.  He was first a Whig and then a staunch Republican.  He was buried on the same day Lincoln was laid to rest.  Mrs. BUSH died on the homestead in Sept. 1867.  They had twelve children and raised nine to adult age; four are living; Elvire, widow of Hon. Andrew L. ALLEN; Rhoda, widow of Franklin B. WRIGHT; N. Maria (Mrs. P.N. ORNE); Jane (Mrs. T.N. BLIGHTON); and Charles N., who died July 11, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 794 & 795

 

Surnames:  BUTTON, TEN BROECK, JOSLYN, PRESCOTT, HALL

 

Hon. Heman G. BUTTON was born in Concord, NY, May 1, 1816.  His father Charles BUTTON, a native of Vermont, came from Concord and settled in Machias (then a part of Ischua) in April, 1817.  Since then Heman G. has resided within the town, living her longer than any other citizen.  His opportunities for an education being limited to the primitive common schools his early acquirements in scholarship were quite meager, but he had ambition and energy and by hard study at home he was qualified to teach a common school.  His father was an invalid and unable to labor from 1820 to 1832, when he died.  Heman G., at the age of nineteen commenced to teach school and continued fourteen winter terms, five of which he taught in his village.  He began business a farmer, which has been the leading occupation of his life.  He was first a Whig, but joined the Republican party at its organization, and was a steadfast supporter of the Union all through the Rebellion.  He was active in enlisting soldiers.  In 1841 he was elected inspector of common schools and served two years;  he was town superintendent of schools four years, served as highway commissioner and assessor, was justice of the peace twentypfour years and justice of sessions one term; he represented Machias on the Board of Supervisors in 1854 and in 1866, and has served Cattaraugus County as superintendent of the poor fourteen years and as loan commissioner seven years, and has been notary public since 1878.  He was elected a member of Assembly in 1866.  The late Judge Ten Broeck, founder of Ten Broeck Free Academy in Franklinville, appointed Mr. Button one of its trustees, which position he still holds.  He has also served his town as railroad commissioner, and has never been defeated at an election when a candidate for any office.  Mr. Button is a man of more than ordinary ability.  He is a close reasoner, a ready conversationalist, and a wel-informed man.  He is public spirited, and for years has exerted great influence in political affairs.  March 4, 1838, he married Jerusha JOSLYN of Machias, who died in 1856.  She was the mother of all his children, Daniel W. Kingsley, Millard Fillmore, Naomi, Alvira L., Adell, and Ida.  Nov. 27, 1856, he married Mrs. Sarah M. (PRESCOTT) HALL, widow of the late Flisha HALL of Machias.  She was born Dec. 11, 1832, in Sanbornton, NH, where her parents were born.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 795

 

Surnames:  BUTTON, BREWER, BESSEY

 

Jesse E.K. BUTTON, son of Charels BUTTON, the pioneer of Machias, was born Feb. 13, 1824.  His father died when Jesse was but eight years old.  He began his life teaching in the common schools, which he continued several years, finally taking up farming as an avocation.  He has served Machias as superintendent of schools and as assessor and the county as superintendent of the poor.  His first wife, Eliza BREWER, was the mother of all his children - two sons, two daughters.  His present wife is the widow of Adam BESSEY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 795

 

Surnames:  BUTTON, BROWN, ADAMS, THURBER

 

Lyman BUTTON, oldest son of Charles, was born July 28, 1808, and came to Machias with his parents in 1817.  He succeeded his father on the homestead and June 29, 1836, married Polly, daughter of Reuben BROWN, a pioneer of Freedom.  He located about half a mile west of Elton, where he and his wife resided to the close of their lives.  Mr. BUTTON was always a farmer.  He died on March 18, 1859, and Mrs. BUTTON on Nov. 16, 1888.  Children:  Harvey, who succeeded his father and died Feb. 5, 1889; Reuben C. (see page 649); William H., born Nov. 14, 1841, died Nov. 24, 11845; Lyman, born Feb. 8, 1844, died Jan. 11, 1848; David M., born May 4, 1849, commenced business in Franklinville as a dealer in furniture and an undertaker, was a liveryman in Allegany, and in 1890 purchased the homestead; Caroline A., born Nov. 3, 1850, died Sept. 18, 1888; and Jonas, born Feb. 12, 1853.  Sept. 22, 1874, David M. married Emily ADAMS of Franklinville, who died Dec. 4, 1875, being the mother of Andrew Lyman BUTTON.  She was a lady of culture and had been a teacher in Ten Broeck Academy.  March 20, 1878, he married Cora A. THURBER of Allegany; children: Winnie E., Flora Blanche, David Glenn, Ernest Leone.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 795

 

Surnames:  CARVER, GRISWOLD, LOCKE

 

Sylvester CARVER, son of Samuel and Bersheba (GRISWOLD) CARVER, was born in Sherburne, NY, April 17, 1796, married Lydia LOCKE, and settled in Machias, where he had made a small clearing and built a log house on a lot of 120 acres.  He has a warrantee deed of his farm.  He was a good financier and at one time he owned 390 acres of land.  He was first a Whig and later a Republican.  He served as highway commissioner, overseer of the poor, and assessor, and was prominent in the Christian church.  Mrs. CARVER died March 10, 1863, and Mr. CARVER on Feb. 13, 1883.  Six of their ten children attained maturity: Harriet, Sylvester J., Lydia, Chester, Roxana, and Cathalo.  The latter died June 7, 1865; he was a soldier in the Union Army.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 795

 

Surnames:  DAY, RICE, REMINGTON

 

Clark D. DAY, son of Hartston and Laura (RICE) DAY, was born in Ashford, May 7, 1852, was educated in the common schools and in Griffith Institute, Springville, NY, and became a teacher, which vocation he followed thirty-three terms.  He has also been a farmer.  A Democrat in politics he was elected school commissioner of the First District of Cattaraugus County in 1890.  He also served the town of Ashford as justice of the peace eight years.  Sept. 1, 1874, he married Eva P. REMINGTON, of Ashford, daughter of Bela C. REMINGTON.  They have one daughter, Alice I., born March 16, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 795 & 796

 

Surnames:  EUCHNER, WRIGHT, LITTLE

 

John E. EUCHNER was born in Holland, Erie County, and at the age of nineteen became a partner in a grocery store.  In 1874 he exchanged this in part payment for a half-interest in Lime Lake mills, of which he is now sole owner. Mr. EUCHNER is a Republican and was elected supervisor in 1892 and again in 1893.  Jan. 1, 1880, he married Eva WRIGHT, who was accidentally drowned in Lime Lake in May following.  In March 1883, her married Grace LITTLE.  Children:  Eva M., Willie, and an infant.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 796

 

Surnames:  EVANS, EDWARDS, JAMES, BEAM, NEWMAN

 

David H. EVANS, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (EDWARDS) EVANS, was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, April 22, 1847, was educated in the English and in his native language, and beginning at the age of fourteen served three years at the trade of a merchant.  He then received a letter of recommendation from his employer and went to Abertan, Glamorganshire, where he was a clerk two years and a half, when he was obliged to leave on account of ill health.  In the spring of 1869 he came to America and located in Centerville, NY, where he labored for the farmers.  He married, in Freedom, Mary JAMES, also a native of Wales, and rented a farm in that town.  Six years later he formed a mercantile partnership with G.H. BEAM at Hume under the firm name of EVANS & BEAM.  In March, 1887, with C.C. NEWMAN, of Sandusky, he opened a general store in Machias, and Jan. 1, 1892, purchased the interest of Mr. NEWMAN.  As soon as possible he became a citizen of the United States and joined the Republican party.  Children:  Willie I., John H., Anna E., Christmas H., Sadie J., and Mamie B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 796

 

Surnames:  FARRAR, DOOLITTLE, LOOMIS, KING

 

Wiggin M. FARRAR was born in New Hampshire Feb. 14, 1797.  His father, John FARRAR, was a farmer, inn keeper, and merchant, and the son was a soldier in the War of 1812.  The family came to New Berlin, NY and thence in 1817 to Rochester, whence Wiggin, in 1819, came with the family to Machias.  After living on various tracts he purchased the homestead in 1828, on which he spent his life.  In 1826 he married Hannah DOOLITTLE who died shortly afterward.  In 1828 he married Betsey LOOMIS.  His father died in 1854.  Wiggin FARRAR was prominently identified with his town’s affairs and represented it on the Borad of Supervisors several terms.  He was also county superintendent of the poor five years, and held nearly every town office.  He was a man of decided traits of character, and during his latter years became totally deaf.  His daughter married Dr. Thomas J. KING (see pg. 146).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 796 & 797

 

Surnames:  FIELD, COMFORT, KIDDER, CARTER, CLARK

 

Rev. J. M. FIELD, born in Gainesville, N. Y., July 2, 1816, died in Machias, Jan 31, 1892.  His early education was limited to the common schools.  He received his first license to preach Aug. 6, 1840 from Rev. O. F. COMFORT, presiding elder of the M. E. church.  He then began a systematic course of study and economized time by studying the English language while riding on horseback to his appointments.  He was a close student and eventually an able scholar.  After a ministry of three years in the M. E. church he preached on a Wesleyan Methodist circuit one year and then united with the Christian church, being ordained in that denomination at a special session of the New York Wester Christian Conference on Sept. 13, 1845.  He was fifty-two years in the ministry and over forty years pastor of the Christian church of Machias – a longer pastorate with one church, except that of Rev. Moses KIDDER of Woodstock, Vt, than any other minister in the Christian denomination in America.  In 1856 he joined the Erie Christian Conference and for more than thirty years was the most popular preacher in that conference.  He often presided at its annual meetings.  He preached over 1,000 funeral sermons and married over 500 couples.  He was loved by the ministry, by his church, and by the entire community.  As a preacher he was scriptural, spiritual, earnest, clear, and positive.  In stature he was tall, well proportioned, stood erect and presented a noble appearance in the pulpit.  As a pastor he was a shining example of all Christian virtues and continually labored to do good in the homes  of his parishoners and the whole community.  Mr. FIELD married, first, Adelia CARTER, of Farmersville, Oct. 13, 1841.  They had one child, a son, who died at the age of four months.  She died July 30, 1844.  He married, second, Celecta D. CLARK, of Allen, N. Y., March 5, 1845, with whom he lived nearly forty-seven years.  To them were born five children, three sons and a daughter of whom reached maturity.  To Mrs. Celecta D. FIELD’s ceaceless industry, excellent judgement, fervent piety, and loving devotion he owed much of his success as a preacher and pastor, and now, at the age of seventy years, the oldest member of the Machias church, she is passing the peaceful evening of her life loved and honored.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 797

 

Surnames:  FOLLETT, BAKER, POTTER

 

Nathan FOLLETT, son of John, was born in Rensselaer county April 19, 1802.  In 1822 he came to Cattaraugus county and was engaged as a salesman by Henry L. BAKER and sold the first goods in Yorkshire at Yorkshire Corners, using a portion of the barroom of the Williams tavern for a salesroom.  In 1823 he came to Machias, where he spent the remainder of his life.  Here he entered the store of Peck & Jefferson, first merchants of Machias, located at the foot of Lime Lake.  In April, 1829, he married Clarissa, daughter of Daniel POTTER, who was born Dec. 8, 1805.  They celebrated their golden wedding in April, 1879.  They settled at the outlet of the lake, where Mr. FOLLETT built the second grist-mill on the site of the first, with a wool-carding and cloth-dressing-mill under the same roof, and managed the business about thirty years.  He died Aug. 17, 1880;  Mrs. FOLLETT died Dec. 28, 1882.  Children:  Mary, Rathbun, William, Wesley, Fletcher, Melville, and Albert.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 797

 

Surnames:  FOLLETT, CLEARY, VINTON, VELZY, PIERCE, SMITH

 

William FOLLETT, born July 6, 1832, attended the common schools, and July 5, 1855, married Margaret CLEARY, of Machias, and settled on the Joslyn farm where he remained until 1857, when he accepted the position of keeper of the County Alms House and Insane Asylum and farm attached, where he remained, except two years, until April, 1891, when he resigned.  He now resides in the village in the house he erected in 1880.  Mrs. FOLLETT died April 25, 1864; children: Mary Grace (deceased); Dora (Mrs. Platt VINTON), of Gowanda: and Nathan.  Oct. 2, 1865, he married Emily, daughter of John VELZY; children:  Margaret (Mrs. O. W. PIERCE), of Olean; Edith (Mrs. Dr. Cassar SMITH), of Farmersville; and Dr. William.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 797

 

Surnames:  FOLTS, FRANK, HOPKINS

 

Frank D. FOLTS, son of Timothy and Mary E. (FRANK) FOLTS, was born in Ashford in 1839.  Both his grandfathers were pioneers of that town.  He received his education in the common schools and in Springville Academy, and began business as a farmer and dealer in cattle.  During the war he was an extensive buyer of horses for the government, and the ensuing seventeen years he dealt in marble and granite.  In 1879 he built his first hotel at Machias Junction, which was burned about as soon as finished  in March 1880.  Ninety days later his present hotel was built on the site.  Mr. FOLTS was a merchant six years, kept his hotel six years, was the postmaster of Leek postoffice seven years, and was a census enumerator in 1892, and was also a farmer and has nine tenement houses.  Sept. 11, 1861, he married Naomi HOPKINS, of Ashford who at the age of twenty one had taught common schools seventeen terms.  Children:  Burdette E., conducting the FOLTS House, and Erton T., baggagemaster at Machias Junction.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 797 & 798

 

Surname:  JEFFERSON

 

Willard JEFFERSON, a native of Vermont, came to Machias at a very early date and settled on the farm where the county alms house has since been built.  He was an enterprising man and became prominent in the early history of the town.  He was supervisor in 1832 and 1833.  He sold his farm to the county in 1833 and removed to Ohio, where he was again prominent, and died.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 798

 

Surnames:  JOSLYN, ANDREWS, PARKER

 

William A. JOSLYN, son of James and Levina (ANDREWS) JOSLYN, was born in Darien, NY April 14, 1847.  His father was a native of Hanover, NH and came with his parents to Darien in 1816.  His mother was born in Columbia Co., NY in 1815 and went to Alexander with her parents about 1818.  In Oct. 1849, William A. came with his parents to Machias and settled on the farm on lots 20 and 21.  James JOSLYN was a Justice of the Peace in Darien and assessor in Machias.  He died in 1877 and his wife in 1874.  William A. JOSLYN succeeded his father on the homestead.  He is a Democrat, and in 1882 was elected justice of the peace, which position he has held continuously to the present time.  March 8, 1871, he married Emma J. PARKER of Machias; children: Essie A., A. Jackson, Viola, James Ray, and Lilia M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 798

 

Surnames:  LEEK, EDWARDS, FARRAR, GANN

 

Almerin LEEK, son of Abram, was born on Long Island, Dec. 5, 1805 and married Mary EDWARDS, also a native of Long Island who was born Dec. 8, 1805.  They came to Machias in 1834 and settled on a farm three miles south of the village, whence they subsequently removed to the village.  Mrs. LEEK died July 26, 1838, and Mr. LEEK married Asenath FARRAR, who is also deceased.  Mr. LEEK died in 1875.  He was a member, class-leader, and steward of the M. E.Church and for years superintendent of the Sunday school.  In 1862, 1863, and 1864 he represented Machias on the board of Supervisors.  He was the father of five children; only two are living;  Lewis, born July 8, 1832, a farmer in Iowa, and Stephen E., born in Machias, Jan 13, 1835.  In Jan. 1862 he enlisted in the 11th N. Y. Calvary and served to the close of the war.  Returning from the war he resumed his trade of a harness maker.  In 1864 he married Jane GANN of Long Island.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 798

 

Surnames:  LEE-O-NETTO, KANISTANAUX, NATALAC

 

Madam LEE-O-NETTO, M.D. was born in Sherbrooke, Canada, while her parents, who were native Senecas, were there on a visit.  She was raised near Salamanca and educated in Lenoxville and other schools, and took a medical course in Nelson Greene Medical College, where she was graduated about 1868.  She practiced five years with Dr. BROWN, a celebrated surgeon and physician of Sherbrooke, Canada.  Her father, KANISTANAUX, was also a physician.  Her grandfather, NATALAC, was a chief of the Banikeen tribe.  About 1872 Madam LEE-O-NETTO returned to western New York and has successfully practiced her profession.  She has a home in Machias, but travels over several counties, and makes a specialty of chronic diseases of women.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 798

 

Surnames:  LINGENFELTER, BREWER, WRIGHT, RUPLE

 

Baltus A. LINGENFELTER was born and raised in the Mohawk valley and married there Rachel BREWER.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and a farmer.  His seven sons and oldest daughter were born in his native valley, and about 1837 he settled on the farm where his son, James LINGENFELTER, now lives.  He was over medium height, straight, broad-shouldered and muscular, had blue eyes, a ruddy complexion, and was called a fine looking man.  His wife was a member of the Methodist church from the age of fourteen and he was one of its regular supporters.  He died in Dec, 1882; Mrs. LINGENFELTER died April 11, 1879.  They had thirteen children, of whom twelve attained maturity.  Their youngest son, James was born June 29, 1833, and March 29, 1861, married Cordelia WRIGHT.  He enlisted in Co. I, 154th N. Y. Vols in 1862, and was discharged May 21, 1864, by reason of physical disability.  Since then he has engaged in farming and now owns the homestead.  Children:  Ida M. (Mrs. G. B. Ruple), Ralph, Florence M., Mabel E., Isma I.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 799

 

Surnames:  LOCKE, PHILLIPS, HOLLISTER

 

Chester LOCKE, born July 25, 1804 in Wendell, Mass., came to Machias with his father, Moses LOCKE as early as 1824.  His mother, Hannah LOCKE, had died in Massachusetts.  Chester bought 200 acres of woodland where his daughter Elizabeth (Mrs. Dudley PHILLIPS) now lives.  His father was a Revolutionary soldier and died two or three years after their settlement here.  Chester LOCKE married Amelia HOLLISTER in 1825.  They were members of the Christian church of Machias and Mrs. LOCKE was a member at its organization.  He had seven children.  He died Oct. 8, 1884 and she March 15, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 799 & 800

 

Surnames:  NAPIER, MICHAEL, BUTLER, BRODIE, BEEBE

 

John NAPIER was born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sept. 15, 1816.  He descends from that noted NAPIER family which has figured conspicuously in Great Britain for several centuries.  His father was James NAPIER, born in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and his mother, Rachel (MICHAEL) NAPIER, was born in the adjoining parish, Gartly.  They emigrated to Halifax, N.S. in 1816, and after twelve years returned with their family to Scotland.  In 1834 John and an elder brother, William, landed in Halifax, removed to Windsor, and a year later went to New York and soon afterward to Quincy, Mass., where John worked three years at the stone-cutter’s trade, becoming a first class journeyman.  He worked on the James River canal in Virginia and went to Scotland with his brother in the fall of 1838.  The next spring they returned to America, bringing their parents, whom  the subsequently cared for.  They resumed work on the Erie canal, and in 1840 came to Hinsdale.  While there John visited Machias and took the contract to erect the stone house for Samuel BUTLER, in which he now resides.  In 1844 he went to Buffalo, but soon removed to New London, Conn., and worked at Mill-Stone Point, six miles from New London.  After three months’ service he was promoted foreman over the sixty journeyman stone-cutters and from that time during his business life was engaged as a superintendent or contractor.  In 1846 Mr. NAPIER west to Lawrence, Mass., and was employed as foreman over the stone-cutters in building at the great dam across the Merrimac and the immense manufactories there.  In 1848, he was employed on the aqueduct across the Genessee river at Portageville.  From that time until 1857 he was a contractor of masonry on the Genessee Valley and Erie canals in connection with his brothers William, James, and George.  In 1857 and 1858, with these brothers and their brother-in-law, Charles BRODIE, Mr. NAPIER was engaged in building the stone work on the bridge spanning the Mississippi river at St. Paul.  From 1860 until 1864 he was superintendent of construciton on the immense locks on the Louisville & Portland canal at Louisville, KY. The next two years he was superintendent of masonry on the Louisville & Nashville railroad.  In 1866 he with his brother erected the Ten Broeck Free Academy at Franklinville.  In 1867 he obtained the contract to get the stone from the celebrated quarries at Nauvoo, IL for the US government building at Springfield, IL.  In 1868 the NAPIER’s erected the county poor house in Machias.  In July 1868 Mr. NAPIER became superintendent of the stone work of the State capitol at Springfield, IL, which position he held until Dec. 1876.  In 1869 he was superintendent of the Grafton stone quarries on the Mississippi, forty miles above St. Louis, for the building of the St. Louis bridge and water works, and had from 250 to 300 men under his supervision.  During this time also he and his brothers built the masonry, trestling, and piling for sixty miles on the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia railroad from Machias to Emporium.  In 1878 they built the Springville & Sardinia narrow gauge railroad.  Mr. NAPIER, his brothers, and Charles and Robert BRODIE were at the same time engaged in bridging the Wabash and other streams on the New Albany & Salem and Toledo, Wabash & Western railroads.

 

Mr. NAPIER possesses indomitable energy and untiring industry.  For more than forty years he was actively engaged in superintending the construction of public works and other structures, many of which, among them the Harlem high bridge and the State capitol at Springfield, IL, will remain as permanent monuments of his mechanical skill.  A Republican in politics he has never had time to accept political preferment.   His ambition has been in the line of stone work and the perfection of his knowledge of constructive art.  April 13, 1845 he married Emeline T., daughter of Lyman BEEBE; she was born at Waterford, Conn., Dec. 16, 1827.  Mrs. NAPIER died on March 28, 1885.  Of their six children these survive:  Margaret, born Feb. 1, 1846, married George L. NAPIER, April 13, 1875;  Mary Isabella, born Sept. 19, 1848; and James Allen, born March 23. 1862.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of John NAPIER

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 800

 

Surnames:  NEWTON, HUDSON

 

Henry NEWTON, son of Ethan A. NEWTON, was born in Jefferson county, Dec. 26, 1819.  He married Aug. 14, 1842, Mary HUDSON, who was born in Saratoga county, Sept. 14, 1822.  They first settled in Fowler, St. Lawrence county, and came to Machias from Sardinia in 1851.  Mr. NEWTON was a farmer until Nov. 1861, when they enlisted in Co. K. 105th N. Y. Vols.  The father died of heart disease and the son of a gun-shot wound before he completed his eighteenth year.  The mother with her own hands purchased and made a home for herself, four sons, and four daughters, all of whom are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 800

 

Surnames:  ORNE, COLBY

 

Stephen ORNE, a native of Kennebunk, Maine, was born April 27, 1787, married Mary COLBY, Jan. 9, 1817, who was born in Boscowen, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1791, and settled in a log cabin in Machias in 1821.  He later removed to Homer and in 1838 they settled in Farmersville, where Mr. ORNE died Jan. 3, 1840.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812.  Mrs. ORNE died Oct. 6, 1860, at the home of their son, Philander M. ORNE, the only survivor of their four sons.  He has been engaged in cabinet work, farming, carpentering, and is now conducting a wagon shop.  He was born June 18, 1828.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 800

 

Surnames:  PARKER, FOSTER, WEST

 

Asa B. PARKER, son of Silas and Abigail (FOSTER) PARKER, was born in Arcade, June 9, 1913, in the log house in which the family settled in 1810.  His parents were natives of Cavendish, VT where they were married, and where their first two children were born.  He was one of the most prominent men of his town; its first merchant, a justice of the peace about thirty years, supervisor, presided at numerous law suits, and officiated at many weddings.  He also did quite a law business in justice’s courts and in drawing legal papers.  He reared ten sons and four daughters, all of whom survived him.  Asa B. PARKER at the age of twenty, began business for himself.  He purchased on credit seventy acres of heavy timbered land one mile east of Arcade.  He built a log cabin and Oct. 6, 1833, married Caroline E. WEST who was born in Groton, NY, May 22, 1815.  In the spring of 1853, after clearing two farms in Arcade, he settled in the west part of Machias on lot 63, where he now owns a farm of 225 acres, of which he has cleared about 100.  They have had seven daughters and three sons.  Mr. PARKER early became prominent in the militia and at the age of twenty was promoted from lieutenant to captain.  He served as sommissioner of highways and since he came to Machias he has been coroner nine years.  Like his father he has practiced law in the lower courts and has been extensively employed in collecting debts.  He has also dealt in horses, cattle, and wool.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Pages 800 & 801

 

Surnames:  SMITH, KILLIAN, GEVENEY, BRISSEE

 

Francis SMITH, a native of Sligo, Ireland, was born in 1819.  He read and wrote both the Irish and English languages, and learned both wagon making and dentistry.  He came to America in 1847 or 1848, spent two or three years in Canada, and about 1950 settled in Machias, where he died May 4, 1882.  Soon after he came to Machias he opened a shop in which he manufactured wagons, carriages, and sleighs, and for many years extracted teeth for the public.  In 1858 he married Mary KILLIAN of Syracuse, who still resides on the homestead.  Children:  Mrs. Anna M. GEVENEY, a teacher who has already taught twenty four terms; Dora S., widow of Francis BRISSEE and also a prominent teacher; and Matthew F.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 801

 

Surnames:  STONEMAN, KNIGHT

 

George A. STONEMAN, son of Archibald and Angeline (KNIGHT) STONEMAN, was born in Michigan City, Ind., April 13, 1844.  His father died when George was two years old, and his mother then removed to the neighborhood of her relatives in Farmersville.  About 1950 she settled with her son on the lot in Machias where they still reside.  Mr. STONEMAN in Dec., 1861 enlisted in Co. D, 105th NY Vols, and went to the front in April, 1862.  He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor.  He was a prisoner twenty-four hours, and then paroled, and several months later was exchanged.  He was discharged as orderly-sergeant March 5, 1865.  He was influential in organizing Phillips Post, No. 329, G.A.R., and has served as its commander five years.  Since the war he has been a mail contractor and a produce dealer.  He is a staunch Republican and has represented his town on the Board of Supervisors nine years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 801

 

Surnames:  TILDEN, McKINSTRY

 

Daniel S. TILDEN, son of Samuel and Hannah (McKINSTRY) TILDEN, was born in Junius, NY Feb. 12, 1826, and is of New England origin.  His paternal grandfather was Joseph TILDEN and his maternal grandfather was Paul McKINSTRY.  The latter served in the Revolutionary war and died in 1845, being buried in Yorkshire near McKinstry Hollow, so named in his honor.  At the age of eighteen Daniel S. TILDEN began his mercantile life by traveling on foot form house to house and selling goods.  A year later he obtained a horse and cart and established a route over which he traveled six years.  In 1851 he settled in Machias as a merchant.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 801

 

Surnames:  VAUGHAN, STEBBINS

 

Daniel VAUGHAN came from Genessee county to Machias in 1821 or 1822 and settled in the nothern part of the town, where he took up a lot of wild land, built a log house, cleared a piece of land and set out an orchard.  He had eleven children, of whom two are living:  William in Farmersville and Sarah A. (Mrs. Porter STEBBINS) in Machias.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Machias – Chapter XXXV (35)

Page 801

 

Surnames: WRIGHT, LEWIS

 

Joseph B. WRIGHT, son of Gad WRIGHT, was born in Oneida county and raised in Gainesville, Wyoming County, where he married Nancy LEWIS.  In 1828 he settled on lot 53 in Machas, his abode being a shanty roofed with troughts.  Mr. WRIGHT remained on his farm to the close of his life.  Children:  Danford, Myron, Cleantha, Dennis, Mandana, Lafayette, and Pauline.

 

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TOWN OF MANSFIELD

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 806

 

Surnames: BARRETT, REED, DAVIS

 

Enos BARRETT was born in England, came to America, and died in Paw Paw, Mich.  Children: Granville, Charles, Angeline, Elmina, Sarah, and Abigail.  Granville BARRETT was born in Paw Paw, Mich., July 12, 1842, and came to East Otto in 1876, where he now resides.  He married Salina REED, of Aurora, Ill., daughter of Sumner REED, and his children are Flora, born Nov. 27, 1867; Adelbert S., born May 15, 1868; and George, born March 4, 1870.  Adelbert S. BARRETT married, March 8, 1892, Minnie DAVIS, daughter of Charles H. and Eunice DAVIS, who was born Jan. 6, 1870.  They have a daughter, Blanche Genevieve, born Jan. 1, 1893.  He owns what is known as the Hencoop cheese factory in the east part of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 806

 

Surnames: BARTLETT, STAPLES, BENEDICT, HUBBELL, WOOLF, HINMAN

 

Dexter BARTLETT, a native of Vermont, came to Otto among the early settlers and died there aged eighty years.  His wife was Rachel STAPLES; children: Sylvenus B., Nelson, Chloe, Drusilla, Sylvia, and Sarah.  Sylvenus B. BARTLETT, born in Vermont, June 29, 1809, came to Otto with his parents and removed thence to Mansfield, where he lived thirty-five years.  He died in Connecticut, March 13, 1888.  He married Clarissa BENEDICT, who died in this town; children: Wilson, Nelson, Dexter, Sylvenus Rachel Ann, Lucy J., Phebe, and Charles D.  He married, second, Polly HUBBELL; children: Georgia and Sarah.  Charles D. BARTLETT was born in Otto, June 26, 1844, and in April, 1865, married Minnie E. WOOLF, who was born Dec. 13, 1847, a daughter of Henry and Dora WOOLF.  Children: George L., born Oct. 12, 1867; Lottie A., born Nov. 16, 1869; and Sylvenus H., born May 26,1875.  Lottie A. married Elbert D., son of Staley HINMAN; children: Helma, born Aug. 1, 1888, and Lena L., born March 24, 1891.  At a recent family reunion at Collins, Erie county, there were 500 BARTLETT families present.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 806

 

Surnames: BOWEN, BELL, HOPKINS, MEACHAM, HARVEY, EDDY

 

Moses BOWEN. born in Mssachusetts, March 12, 1752, served two years in the Revolutionary war, and removed to Otsego county, where he was a farmer and cooper, and where he died in June, 1830.  His wife was Martha BELL, who died there in 1824.  Their son, Moses BOWEN, born in Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1796, came to Mansfield in 1830 and died here in 1882.  His wife was Betsey HOPKINS, who was born May 21, 1797, died in 1862.  Children: George W. G., born May 27, 1823; Emily M., born March 20, 1825; Sarah A., born May 20, 1827; Hopkins, born in Sept., 1829; Bird, born in 1832; Cyrus H., born in April, 1834; Frank M., born in 1842; and Moses, born in 1844.  George W. G. married Lucinda MEACHAM, who died Dec. 8, 1863; children: George H., born Oct. 4, 1849; Sarah M., born Feb. 6, 1853; John M., born Oct. 25, 1858; and Betsey, born Oct. 3, 1862.  He married, second, Mrs. Lydia L. HARVEY, daughter of William H. and Sally EDDY; children: Fanny B., born Oct. 21, 1865; Emily A., born June 6, 1867; Hattie L., born July 2, 1869; Mabel G., born Aug 10, 1871; William H., born Aug. 25, 1873; Ida V., born March 16, 1876; Eddy L., born June 29, 1879; and Bessie L., born July 1, 1883. Mr. BOWEN is a farmer and carpenter in Eddyville and has been justice of the peace thirty years, postmaster ten years, and a resident here sixty years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 807

 

Surnames: BRASCH, BEALSEALBT, FRANK, MILES, SMITH

 

Carl BRASCH was born and died in Mecklenburg, Germany.  He had five children, of whom Christopher BRASCH was born in Holstein, Germany, March 2, 1814.  He married Louisa BEALSEALBT, and came to Mansfield, where he still resides.  Children: Dora Annie, Bertha, Henry, and John C.  The latter is a native of Holstein, Germany, being born there April 27, 1866, and came to this town with his parents.  March 3, 1885, he married Meda, daughter of William and Adelia (FRANK) MILES, who was born in East Otto in 1865.  He is a farmer in Mansfield on the Joseph SMITH farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 807

 

Surnames: BROWN, SHOWERTOWN, BLACK, HINMAN, SMITH, JACKETT

 

Erastus BROWN, a native of Livingston county, came to Mansfield, where he cleared a farm and died in 1860.  His wife was Polly SHOWERTOWN, who died here in Feb., 1876.  Children: Sabrina, Melissa, Gilbert, Heman, Alvin, Ansil J., and Levi P.  Levi P. BROWN was born in this town Nov. 17, 1834, and March 12, 1859, married Chloe BLACK, who died Dec. 29, 1870; children: George W., born Jan. 13, 1860; Charles E., born Sept. 13, 1861 ; Lucy, born April 3, 1868; and Velma, born Dec. 23, 1870.  He married, second, Emily F., daughter of Franklin and Abigail HINMAN, who was born July 23, 1837.  He is a farmer on the homestead.  George W. BROWN married Edith SMITH on April 2, 1885, and has one daughter, Chloe A.  Lucy BROWN married Edwin B. JACKETT on Nov. 29, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 807

 

Surnames: BURCHARD, ESTES, CROSBY, LINES, GILLETT

 

Joseph BURCHARD, a native of Danbury, Conn., served in the War of 1812 and was present at the engagement at St. John's, Canada.  He came to East Otto before 1825 and died there Aug. 28, 1830.  (see page 555.)  His son Amos, born in Danbury, Conn., Sept. 10, 1775, came to East Otto and died Jan. 10, 1858.  His wife, Betsey ESTES, died July 10, 1862.  Their daughter Harriet E. born Nov. 28, 1820, married John CROSBY, who died July 26, 1867.  Children: Jennie (Mrs. W. S. LINES) and Lucy (Mrs. Stephen C. GILLETT).  Mrs. CROSBY survives her husband and resides in Maples in this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 807

 

Surnames: BUTLER, SMITH

 

James BUTLER was a very early settler in Cattaraugus county, being a resident of both Mansfield and Ellicottville.  He died about 1866.  One of his sons, Allen D., lived in Mansfield and East Otto, and died in Red House in March, 1888.  Another son, T. P., was reared in the family of Joseph SMITH, an Englishman and an early settler of Mansfield.  Mr. Smith died in Aug., 1885, aged eighty-five.  T. P. BUTLER is now a resident of Cold Spring.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 807

 

Surnames: CLARK, STEWART, HAZELTON, SMITH

 

Charles W. CLARK, son of William and Caroline (STEWART) CLARK (see page 587), was born Dec. 17, 1845, and married Adelia E., daughter of Peter and Rachel (HAZELTON) SMITH, who was born April 30, 1852.  They have an adopted son, Gilbert H.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Pages 807 & 808

 

Surnames: COOK, HILDRETH, CHAMBERLAIN, GAGE, FARWELL, DAVIS, AYRES, WILLSON, HORTH

 

Henry COOK, born in Norwich, Vt., June 14, 1800, married Betsey HILDRETH and settled on a farm in Vermont, where their first three children were born.  About 1832 or 1833 they settled in a log cabin in the western part of Mansfield on 160 acres of land.  To support his young family he pursued his trade of shoemaker, and subsequently added to the homestead until it contained 470 acres.  He died at the home of his son Samuel in Little Valley, Nov. 1, 1885.  Mrs. COOK died in the fall of 1872.  Children: Clarissa (Mrs. Hazen CHAMBERLAIN), deceased; John H.; Samuel, born May 14, 1830, married Elizabeth, daughter of John GAGE, settled on the homestead, and subsequently removed to Little Valley; Annie (Mrs. Henry FARWELL); Janette (Mrs. Robert DAVIS); and Phebe (Mrs. Daniel AYRES), of Little Valley.  Samuel COOK, of Little Valley, sold the homestead in 1880 to his brother-in-law, Robert DAVIS, and bought the Stratton farm of his wife's father, John GAGE, containing 230 acres, which he still owns.  He is a staunch Republican.  Children: Minnie, Alida, Bessie, Arthur, and Elizabeth.  John H. COOK was born in Vermont, Aug. 22, 1827, and came to Mansfield with his parents. Nov. 15, 1871, he married Abigail M., daughter of Gideon H. WILLSON.  They had one son, Samuel W., born Feb. 6, 1875.  He married, second, Saloma B., daughter of Hiram and Caroline HORTH, who was born Feb. 14, 1843.  He owns and occupies the farm cleared by William CASE and an additional farm – a total of 300 acres.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 808

 

Surnames: COURTER, THOMPSON, HARVEY, BOWEN

 

Jonathan COURTER was born in New Jersey, served in the War of 1812, received a land warrant, and in 1832 came to Mansfield, where he died in 1869.  He settled on lot 19.  He married Elizabeth THOMPSON, who died in 1856.  Children - David, William, Alexander, Matilda, and Alanson.  The latter was born in Yates county, May 7, 1820, and married Diantha, daughter of Elias HARVEY, of Ellicottville.  Children: Elizabeth, Alzina, Alexander, Jonathan, William H., and Charles.  William H. COURTER was born May 17, 1850, and April 6, 1873, married Sarah M. BOWEN; children: George, Frank, Mildred, and Willie.  Mr. COURTER is a general merchant, has been postmaster nine years, and served as supervisor in 1889 and 1890.  Alanson COURTER was commissioner of highways eight years and died at the age of seventy-two.  Mrs. Diantha COURTER survives and lives in Eddyville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 808

 

Surnames: CRANDALL, SUTTON, CONKLIN

 

Etsel CRANDALL, son of George and Diantha (SUTTON) CRANDALL, was born May 22, 1825, came to Mansfield in 1851, and cleared the farm on which he now resides.  He married Mariette CONKLIN; children: Joel J., Clara J., Bradford G., Edith M., Rose A., Jay, John P., George, and Dr. Guy B.  Joel J. CRANDALL was six years school superintendent of Cattaraugus county and one year president of the Jamestown Commercial College.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 808

 

Surnames: DAVIS, KEENE, CROSS

 

William DAVIS was born, lived, and died in Ireland.  His son Robert came to America and finally settled in Mansfield, where he still resides.  He married Mariah KEENE;  children: John, Joseph, Charles, Andrew, Hiram, Catharine, Mary, Sarah, and Annie.  Robert DAVIS served in Co. B, 154th N. Y. Vols.; George served in the 64th N. Y. Vols.; and John enlisted in a Nebraska regiment.  Hiram DAVIS married Flora CROSS and has children Allen and Florence.  Andrew DAVIS has served three terms as assessor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 808

 

Surnames: DITCHER, HOWE, HOUGHTON, SMITH, TAYLOR, MILLHOLLEN, ALLEN

 

Stephen DITCHER, a native of Zurich, Germany, was born in 1809, came to America in 1844, settled in Ashford, cleared a farm, and died about 1866.  He married Nancy HOWE, of Germany, who died in Ashford in 1856.  Children: John, Stephen A., Philip, Christopher, David O., Carrie, Paul, and James.  Stephen A. DITCHER was born in Ashford, Dec. 23, 1844, and Dec. 18, 1873, he married Elsie A., daughter of Lorenzo H. and Angeline (HOUGHTON) SMITH, of Mansfield.  Children: Ashley S., Francis G., and Florence E.  He resides on the farm cleared by Lyman C.TAYLOR about 1839.  Lorenzo H. SMITH came to Mansfield at the age of seventeen.  He was born in Otsego county in 1817.  His wife died here in Jan., 1880.  David O. DITCHER was born Sept. 15, 1855, and Nov. 28, 1873, married Susie R. MILLHOLLEN.  He owns and operates the cheese factory in the north part of the town.  This was built in 1865 by M. S. ALLEN, and is one of the largest in the State.  In 1888 it made 148 tons of cheese; in 1889, 151 tons; in I890, 156 tons; and in 1891, 162 tons.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Pages 808 & 809

 

Surnames: EDDY, PAYNE, STANNARD, RHODES

 

Enos EDDY, born in Rhode Island, June 6, 1774, came to Mansfield as a very early settler, and removed to Chautauqua county in 1840.  He married Deborah PAYNE, of Rhode Island;  children: Chloe, Lydia, Enos, Rachel, Enos, 2d, Deborah, Joseph, Nathan, Sarah, Lillis, George, John, Elmira, and Stephen.  Enos EDDY, Jr., came to Mansfield about 1825 and died here in 1871. He married Miranda STANNARD, who died Sept. 27, 1873.  Children: Roswell (died 1890), Betsey, Nathan, Amanda, John, Thomas, Almira, James, and Sheldon P.  The latter was born Dec. 17, 1822, married, April 15, 1850, Helen RHODES, and has had children Austin M., Medora E., Enos H., Otis H., and Mina B.  He is a farmer on the place he has occupied from birth, and has served as overseer of the poor and town collector.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 809

 

Surnames: EDDY, TRASK, HARVEY

 

Levi EDDY, born in Utica, N. Y., came to Mansfield about 1828 and died in 1841.  He served, in the War of 1812.  Children: Levi B., William H., Chauncey, Elisha and Eliza (twins), Lura, Westel, and Ruth A.  William H. EDDY, born March 9, 1807, came to Mansfield in Feb., 1843, and is said to have been the first manufacturer of cheese boxes in Cattaraugus county.  He was also a carriage painter, served as justice of the peace several years, and was long a postmaster and merchant at Eddyville, which was named in his honor.  He died May 5, 1871.  His wife was Sally TRASK, who was born in Massachusetts, July 24, 1808.  Children: Henry W., James W., Nancy L., Lydia L., Mary A., Frances, and Martha.  James W. EDDY married Jane HARVEY; children: Leonard W., Byron M., Elma B., Elbert C., Clarence A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 809

 

Surnames: EDDY, STARR, HARVEY, REYNOLDS

 

Levi B. EDDY was born in Herkimer, N. Y., March 6, 1802, and died in Mansfield Oct. 28, 1876.  Children: Emily, Harriet, Amos, Aurilla, and William.  His wife died Sept 22, 1886.  Enos EDDY, born in Herkimer, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1827, came to this town with his parents, and married Harriet STARR, who died, and he married, second, Lura I. HARVEY.  Children: Morris L., Elmer E., and Belle.  Morris L. EDDY, born Jan. 14, 1857, married, Dec. 20, 1880, Lillian B. REYNOLDS, of Humphrey, and has one daughter, Harriet A.  He is a farmer near the hamlet of Eddyville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 809

 

Surnames: EDDY, VOSBURGH, EASTMAN, LATTIN, LAING, BEACH

 

Elisha C. EDDY, though dead before reaching the thirty-eighth anniversary of his birth, accomplished more than most men in the longest lives.  He redeemed what is one of the best farms in Mansfield from a swampy wilderness and reared a large family of children.  For eight terms he was supervisor, holding the position at his death.  He was born Aug. 18, 1818, and died May 14, 1856.  Jan. 17, 1839, he married Sally VOSBURGH, who was born Sept. 25, 1819.  Children: Ruth A., born Oct. 21, 1840, married Harvey EASTMAN; Cornelia V., born Oct. 5, 1842, married Lieut. Alvin LATTIN of the 9th N. Y. Vol. Cav.; Ellen M., born Jan. 26, 1845, died Sept. 2, 1867; Martha D., born May 30, 1848, married Hon. Solon S. LAING, Alice R. (Mrs. Owen S. LAING), of East Otto; Westel E., born June 2, 1854; and Laura E., born Sept. 18, 1856, married Edson F. BEACH, and died Sept. 22, 1891.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 809

 

Surnames: FISH, GAY, LOCKE, GALLOWAY

 

Nathaniel FISH, of Sandwich, Mass., settled on lot 19 in Mansfield in March, 1819, where he soon opened his house as a tavern, and which locality was named in his honor.  He was the first collector of the town and otherwise closely identified with its early interests.  He raised nine children, of whom but one, Mrs. Mary M. GAY, of Boston, Mass., survives.  His only living descendants in this county are his grandchildren C. G. LOCKE, of Little Valley, and Nan and Lulu GALLOWAY, of Ellicottville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 809

 

Surnames: FOLTS, RIDDLE, TINKCOM, GOSS, HUGHEY

 

William FOLTS, son of Joseph and a native of Herkimer county, came to Ashford with his father, who was one of the first blacksmiths and first settlers in that town.  William followed shoemaking and farming, and married Caroline RIDDLE.  Children: Mary (widow of George TINKCOM), Charles, Sarah (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. Charles GOSS), Morris, Ida (Mrs. John HUGHEY), and George I.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Pages 809 & 810

 

Surnames: GREENE, JOHNSON, MINER, MEACHAM, BOWEN

 

Othniel GREENE, a native of Long Island, served in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension, and removed to Vermont, where he died.  His wife was Elizabeth JOHNSON.  Their son Othniel, born in Vermont, Nov. 13, 1799, came to Mansfield in Jan., 1850, where he died Dec. 27, 1886.  He married Sophia MINER, who died here in Jan., 1886.  Children: Emmett, Horace, Sanford, Lovisa, Charles, Lucinda, Othniel, William, Huldah, and Franklin.  Othniel enlisted in 1862 in Co. G, 154th N. Y. Vols., and starved to death in Libby prison Aug. 7, 1863.  Charles, born May 9, 1836, resides on the homestead.  Nov. 6, 1859, he married Louise MEACHAM,  who was born March 18, 1842, a daughter of Daniel and Emily (BOWEN) MEACHAM, of this town.  Children: Lucy, Othniel, America, Benjamin, and Bessie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 810

 

Surnames: GREENE, BALCOM, EDDY

 

Harvey S. GREEN, son of Samuel, was born in Mansfield, June 24, 1837, and died Oct. 27, 1871.  Nov. 6, 1862, he married Fidelia BALCOM, who was born Nov. 3, 1832, and who survives him.  Children: Bertie S., Carrie L., Elmer A., Clayton C., and Jessie M.  Carrie L. married Otis H. EDDY and lives at Maples.  Joseph BALCOM, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Fidelia GREEN, was a Revolutionary soldier and attained the rank of colonel.  His son Villeroy was born in Templeton, Mass., and died in Villenova, N. Y., Feb. 28, 1868.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 810

 

Surnames: HARVEY, REED, ALLEN

 

Samuel HARVEY was born in Marcellus, N. Y., March 28, 1801, the fourth in a family of twelve children of Medad HARVEY.  Samuel came to Mansfield in 1823 and subsequently increased his original purchase of 300 acres to 1,100 some of which was in adjoining towns.  He married, Jan, 28, 1824, Mary REED, who was born in Massachusetts, April 13, 1802.  Children: Mary J. (Mrs. W. D. ALLEN), Albert R., Samuel Jr., and one who died in childhood.  Mr. HARVEY was a Democrat, was justice of the peace, and was supervisor of Mansfield eight years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 810

 

Surnames: HARVEY, REED, SMITH, GRUBE

 

John HARVEY married Theda REED and both died in Otto, the latter in July, 1889.  Children: Hiram, Alfred, and Frank.  Frank HARVEY was born in New Albion in March, 1843, and married Josephine, daughter of James H. and Sarah SMITH;  children: Luke, Charles, Addie, Arthur, Belle, Elmer, Florence, and Burt J.  The latter was born March 3, 1867, and July 17, 1890, married Mary GRUBE, who was born April 26, 1867.  They have one daughter, Helen A.  Mr. HARVEY is a farmer on the Huggins farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 810

 

Surnames: HINMAN, THOMPSON, MORTON

 

Frank C. HINMAN, a native of Massachusetts, was born in 1802, came to East Otto about 1825, and died aged eighty-two.  He married Abigail THOMPSON; children: Mariah, Mary, Byron, Emily, Emogene, Lorinda, Truman, Francis, Seth, Matilda, Charles, Alice, and Richard P.  The latter was born in East Otto, July 23, 1853, and is now a general merchant and postmaster at Maples.  He is in copartnership with F. L. MORTON as HINMAN & MORTON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 810

 

Surnames: HINMAN, GRAHAM, REED, HOLMES

 

Truman HINMAN, son of Besill, who was born in Connecticut, came to Marcellus N. Y., and was accidentally killed, was born in Connecticut, came to Mansfield in 1824, cleared portions of three farms, and died in East Otto aged seventy-three.  He married Parnal GRAHAM and had children Waite, Peter C., Elisha, Ann, Polly, Hannah, Julia, Deforest M., Diantha L., Moses B., Sarah Ann, and Staley C.  Staley C.HINMAN was born Feb. 6, 1829, and Sept. 27, 1850, married Harriet A. REED, of East Otto.  Children:  Lavantia A., Alfred B., Stella D., and Elbert D.  Isaac REED, father of Mrs. Harriet A. HINMAN, came to East Otto, cleared a farm, and died there aged seventy-four.  His wife, Phebe HOLMES, died five years later aged seventy-three.  Their children were Harriet A., Martin V., Andrew J., Lucy, 1st, Lucy, 2d, Emery, Lucina, Pearl, Cornelia, Sarah, and Louisa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 811

 

Surnames: HINMAN, LAMFEAR, SCOTT

 

Peter C. HINMAN, son of Truman, came from Marcellus to Mansfield while young and cleared what is known as the HINMAN farm.  He died Dec. 24, 1880, aged eighty-two.  He married Berea LAMFEAR, who was born Jan  3, 1803.  Children: Julia Ann, Sylvester T., Eliza, Electa, Susan, Mary M., Harlan, William S., and Anson L.  Anson L. HINMAN, born May 15, 1846, married Mary E. SCOTT, and has one daughter, Mamie E.  He resides on the homestead.  John H. SCOTT, father of Mrs. Mary E. HINMAN, served in the late war and died in service Oct. 22, 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 811

 

Surnames: HOLLISTER, STONE, FOLTS

 

Samuel L. HOLLISTER was an early settler in Mansfield.  He had ten children six of whom are living, but only one, Alson HOLLISTER, of this town, in the county.  Edwin, son of Samuel, was the first white male child born in Mansfield.  Alson HOLLISTER married Marcia, daughter of Stephen B. STONE.  Children: Homer, of Mansfield, and Lorsey E. (Mrs. George L. FOLTS), of Great Valley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 811

 

Surnames: JOHNSON, BEALS, GRIMES

 

Roswell JOHNSON, a native of Catskill, N. Y., was born in 1796, came to Mansfield in 1850, and died in 1853.  Of his sixteen children Stephen T. JOHNSON was born in Oswego, N. Y., April 4, 1827, and came to Mansfield in 1853.  He married Achsah BEALS;  children: Mary, Hiram A., Lewis D., Myron D., Fred, Martha, Emma, Nellie M., and Hattie.  Hiram A. JOHNSON was born Oct. 18, 1857, and married Grace L. GRIMES, Oct. 17, 1882; children: Beulah A. and Ralph D.  Mr. JOHNSON is a farmer on the James GRIMES farm.  He was elected supervisor of Mansfield in 1893, has taught district school four years, and has served two years as collector.  Stephen JOHNSON served in Co. A, 188th N. Y. Vols.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 811

 

Surnames: LARABEE, LAING, BABCOCK, EDDY

 

Eleazer LARABEE, a Revolutionary soldier, came to East Otto in 1824 with his wife and five sons – Thomas, Miner, Nathan, lra, and Sidney, all married except Sidney.  Eleazer located land on lot 28.  Thomas located on lot 27, where the Stephen LAING farm now is in East Otto.  Eleazer LARABEE died in East Otto in 1837.  Thomas LARABEE was born in Oneida county and served in the War of 1812, and drew a land warrant.  He finally removed to Lake County, Ill., in 1845, where he died in 1857.  He married Esther BABCOCK, who died in 1843.  Children: Anson, Albert, Elmira, Thomas G., Sarah, Dolly, Eliza, Francis, Hiram, and Deloss.  Francis LARABEE was born in East Otto, Feb. 11, 1828.  Feb. 22, 1850, he married Emily, daughter of Levi B. EDDY.  He has served as supervisor four years and justice of the peace twelve years.  He was very active (with James Smith and A. S. Courter) in recruiting soldiers for the service and filling the town quotas. (See page 558.)

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Pages 811 & 812

 

Surnames: McKAY, GALLOWAY, WEAVER, FRANK

 

Silas McKAY, son of Silas, was born in Pennsylvania, July 7, 1783, and came to Mansfield in 1824.  He served in the War of 1812 from Genesee county and died July 31, 1843.  He married Sally, daughter of Jacob and Abigail GALLOWAY; children: Liverius, born June 7, 1809, died in June, 1888; Silas G., born Feb. 28, 1811, died May 3, 1893; Sylvester, born July 28, 1813, died Jan. 11, 1888; John J., born Sept. 2, 1816; Amos, born Jan. 19, 1819, died March 4, 1819; George C., born March 19, 1820; Hiram V. R., born March 5, 1822; Daniel B., born Feb. 27, 1824, died in 1890; Napoleon B., born Sept. 13, 1826; and Thomas H., born July 3, 1830, died June 28, 1892.  George C. McKAY married Margaret, daughter of Jacob J. and Margaret (WEAVER) FRANK, who was born Feb. 18, 1821.  Children: Nelson W., born Feb. 27, I849, died May 1, 1862; Elbert C., born Jan. 24, 1851, died May 18, 1862; Harlan E., born Feb. 10, 1853, died Feb. 27, 1854; Theresa A., born July 6, 1858, died May 11, 1862; and Nelson C., born Aug. 30, 1865, died Jan. 26, 1886.  He is a farmer on the farm he cleared after coming to Mansfield in 1862.  He served as justice of the peace four years and town clerk two years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 812

 

Surnames: MEACHAM, GOODSPEED, EDDY, BOWEN, RAZY

 

Lyman MEACHAM born in Scotland, came to Wyoming county and was killed at Dunkirk.  He married Betsey GOODSPEED, who died in Mansfield.  Children: Hosea, Jeremiah, Elias, Milo, Daniel, Lydia, Janette, Lucy, and Betsey.  Elias MEACHAM was born Sept. 4, 1808, and came to Mansfield in 1832, where he died in 1891.  He married Emily, daughter of John EDDY; children: Lucinda, Mary Ann, Amanda M., Eliza C., Emily P., and Levi M.  L. M. married Betsey A., daughter of Joseph and Sarah A. (BOWEN) RAZY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 812

 

Surnames: MORTON, STOWELL

 

Lyman MORTON, born in Vermont in 1806, came to Mansfield in 1836, and finally removed to Iowa where he died in 1883.  Children: Leonora, Eveline, Nelson J., James, Thurman W., Albert B., Darius, and Mary.  Nelson J. MORTON, born July 7, 1830, married Frances L. STOWELL; children: Frank L., Carrie B., and Ada G. and Eva M. (twins).  Frank L. MORTON is town clerk and a general merchant at Maples.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 812

 

Surnames: RHOADES, THAYER, BOWEN, JOHNSON

 

William C. RHOADES, born in England, came to eastern New York before the Revolutionary war, in which he participated as a soldier, and died in Hamilton, N. Y. Nov. 21, 1809.  His son Asahel, born March 16, 1809, came to Napoli in 1836, where he died Sept.13, 1880.  He married Amelia THAYER; children: Matilda J., Helen F., Susan F., Edward A., Sumner D., Mariah A., Cyrus, Otis D., William, Charles, and Uriah A.  Susan F. RHOADES, born in 1829, married Hopkins BOWEN; children; Luzern A. and George H.  She married, second, Albion P. JOHNSON, son of Joshua and Esther JOHNSON.  Cyrus RHOADES was supervisor of Napoli in 1885-86 and of Leon in 1889-91.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 812

 

Surnames: RICE, SHATTUCK, LASHER, ROEDER, MARCH

 

Charles P. RICE, son of Reuben and Hannah S. (SHATTUCK) RICE, was born in St. Albans, Vt., July 2, 1835.  His grandfather was a colonel in the war of the Revolution and Reuben was a cabinet maker by trade.  Charles P. came to this town in Feb., 1883.  He married Lydia A. LASHER, of Norwich, Pa., who died Sept. 18, 1876; children: Kittie L., Henry R., Claude R., and Arthur F.  He married, second, Julia A. ROEDER, who died Aug. 27, 1890, children: Guy W. and Prue L.  His third wife is Prudence MARCH.  He enlisted Aug. 13, 1861, in Co. I, 42d Pa. Vols., participated at the battles of Cedar Mountain, Cross Keys, South Mountain, Second Bull Run, and Antietam, and was discharged in 1864.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Pages 812 & 813

 

Surnames: SMITH, BURROUGHS, STRICKLAND, COOK, MAKEM

 

James M. SMITH, son of Amasa and Mercy (BURROUGHS) SMITH, was born in Marcellus, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1813.  His father, a soldier in the War of 1812, settled in Mansfield on lot 39 in 1828.  He was justice of the peace as early as 1834.  He died Dec. 20 , 1843; Mrs. SMITH died Nov. 24, 1846.  James M. SMITH received a common school education and three terms at the academy at Springville, N. Y.  He was a teacher several years.  Sept. 27, 1840, he married A. Alsina STRICKLAND, of Otto, and engaged in farming.  Mr. SMITH was a patriotic citizen and a politician.  He was an old line Whig and later a staunch Republican.  He was elected supervisor of his town in 1840 and held the office eight terms, and was clerk of the board in 1843.  He was inspector of common schools in 1840 and held the position until the office was abolished.  In 1853 he was elected superintendent of the poor of Cattaraugus county and served three years.  In 1860 he represented his district in the Legislature as member of the Assembly.  Mr. SMITH was an extensive reader and a close thinker, a ready conversationalist, and a genial companion.  He died April 30, 1872.  Mrs. SMITH resides in the village of Cattaraugus.  Their children were Millie (Mrs. Elbert P. COOK), died Dec. 21, 1869; John, married Laura STRICKLAND, settled in Kansas, and died there in 1888, leaving a widow and, six children who reside in Cattaraugus; and Alida (Mrs. Fred MAKEM).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Mansfield – Chapter XXXVI (36)

Page 813

 

Surname: SMITH

 

Hezekiah SMITH, a native of Rhode Island, came to Mansfield in 1830, and followed his trade of carpenter, being also a farmer.  Children: Clark, Lorenzo, Stephen, Russell, Althea, Cyrus, Polly, Ruth, and Mary.  Clark SMITH became a resident of Mansfield in 1837.  His son Sylvester C. served in the Civil war in the 164th Cav. and had two horses shot from under him.  Stephen SMITH was supervisor of Mansfield in 1855.

 

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TOWN OF NAPOLI

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 818

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, COTTREL, BRYANT, CHAPMAN

 

Henry Allen was born in Rhode Island and came to Napoli at the age of sixty years, remaining until his death aged ninety.  Children : Henry, Whitman, Daniel, Amy, Louisa, and Samuel.  Samuel Allen, born in Rhode Island in 1809, married Susan Cottrel, who died here aged eighty-six.  They had one son, Samuel C.  He married, second, Deborah Bryant, who died Feb. 4, 1880, leaving a son, Ora.  His third wife was Ida Chapman, by whom he has children Norman M. and Henry.  He resides on the homestead.  Samuel Allen served as supervisor of Napoli in 1868 and 1869.  In his early manhood he was a sea captain and after coming to Napoli he was a cattle drover and lumberman.  He built the first foundry in East Randolph and ran it several years.  He finally removed to Salamanca, where he built a fine residence and died.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 818

 

Surnames:  ARNOLD, LADOW, MORSE

 

Rev. Thomas Arnold, born Nov. 21, 1802, came to Napoli in 1832.  He married, in 1821, Rebecca Ladow (born Nov. 28, 1803), and had born to him eleven children : Betsey, Polly Ann, Jerome, Fidelia, Andrew, Susan, Lapantha, Rachel (Mrs. Charles Morse), of Cold Spring,  Mary, Lorinda, and Lizzie.  Mr. Arnold was a carpenter, farmer, and preacher.  for over fifty years he was a minister of the gospel.  He died in Randolph, Aug. 2, 1883, and his wife July 10, 1882.  They left over seventy grandchildren.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 818

 

Surnames:  BOARDMAN, JANES, PRATT, GRAY

 

Elijah Boardman was among the first settlers in Napoli, coming thence from Otisco, N. Y., where he was born.  He was a deacon of the Presbyterian church at Napoli Corners, which society he was largely instrumental in organizing. Children: Alanson, Mariah, Dolly, Timothy, and Nelson.  Nelson Boardman, a native of Otisco, was born in 1810, came to this town with his parents, and died in Salamanca in 1884.  His wife was Filena Janes, who survives him;  children: Alonzo, Virena, Sophronia, Alphonzo J., and Eleanor.  Alphonzo J. enlisted Aug. 17, 1861, in Co. B, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged in Sept., 1862.  His mother’s father, Jotham Pratt, served in the Revolutionary war.  Mr. Boardman was born in Napoli, Aug. 16, 1838, and Dec. 15, 1863, married Martha Boardman, who died Aug. 14, 1888, leaving one son, Frank.  His second wife is Nellie Gray.  He is a farmer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 818

 

Surnames:  BUSHNELL, HOLCOMB, NEWELL, BENNETT

 

Amasa Bushnell, son of Daniel Bushnell, who served on Washington’s staff in the Revolutionary war, was born in Granby, Conn., in 1765.  Coming to Napoli in 1826 he wielded a strong, healthy influence for good among the pioneer settlers, and was both a farmer and a carpenter.  He died in Aug., 1841.  His wife, Prudence Holcomb, died May 1, 1858; children: Betsey, Nancy, James, Josiah, Amasa, Prudence, Ashbel, Chauncey, Nancy, 2d, and Elias.  The last named married Sarah Newell, who was born in 1812; children: Harriet and Ella C.  She died Nov. 4, 1861, and he married, second, Cynthia BENNETT; children: Hattie and Nellie.  Mr. Bushnell’s brother Amasa was supervisor of Napoli in 1850, and of this town Elias himself is one of its oldest living residents.  Another brother, Ashbel, was a popular citizen and an active politician, and represented the town on the Board of Supervisors in 1841, 1842, and 1864.  The two opened a store on Bushnell flats at an early day, and alone he started a hotel at the Corners in 1831.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 819

 

Surnames:  CHAMPLIN, BABCOCK, KENYON, MORRILL, FOLTS, BUSHNELL

 

Joseph Champlin, a soldier in the Revolution and in the War of 1812, was killed in a railroad accident near Utica, N. Y.  He was an active man and a farmer, and reared seven children.  Samuel Champlin, his son, a native of Rhode Island, also served in the War of 1812, was a farmer, and for over sixty years was a prominent member of the Baptist church.  Both he and his wife (Betsey BABCOCK) died in Rhode Island.  They had eight children, of whom Erastus G., born Nov. 24, 1826, came to Napoli in 1860.  May 20, 1849, he married Amy A. Kenyon who was born April 30, 1829; children:  George and Frank.  The latter married Mary Morrill, who died March 11, 1892; his second wife is Grace Folts.  George married Emma Bushnell, and has been town clerk.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 819

 

Surnames:  CONGDON, MILLER, BOARDMAN, BEERS, HILLMAN

 

James Congdon, 3d, a farmer, a merchant, a Quaker, and a Revolutionary soldier, was born and died in Rhode Island.  His son Benjamin had four children, of whom William H. K. Congdon came to Napoli in 1841.  He was born Sept. 12, 1818, and April 6, 1843, married Elizabeth M. Miller, who was born Jan. 1, 1826, a daughter of Joseph H. and Mariah (Boardman) Miller; children: Benjamin F., Joseph M., William H., Florence M., Charles E., and Silas S.  Joseph Miller came to this town in 1820.  James G. Congdon, another son of Benjamin, married Lucy M., daughter of Harmon Beers, and for twenty-six years has been a farmer on the Hillman farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 819

 

Surnames:  DAVENPORT, HALL, HARVEY

 

Rufus Davenport settled in Conewango in 1829, where he died Jan. 10, 1884.  He was a farmer and a shoemaker, a soldier of the War of 1812, and a son of William Davenport, a Vermonter.  From his marriage with a daughter of Simeon Hall these children were born:  Ebenezer, Calvin, Betsey, William C., Sylvia, George, Sally, Rufus, Nabbie, and Marshall, of whom William C., born Nov. 30, 1814, came to Cattaraugus county with his father, and on November 1, 1840, married Elnora Harvey, who was born Jan. 28, 1823.  Children: Ann, George, Perry, Rollin W., Frank P., and Bertie.  Mr. Davenport is a shoemaker and carpenter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 819

 

Surnames:  FOY, MORTON, HUNTINGTON, HALL

 

Samuel Foy was born in Vermont on Aug. 7, 1804.  At the age of fifteen he came with his mother to Napoli, where he cleared a farm near East Randolph village.  There were at this time (in 1819) but three other families in Napoli.  In 1827 Mr. Foy married Harriet Morton, who died June 17, 1835, leaving four children: Juliette, Martha, Ara, and Harriet.  His second wife was Nancy Huntington, who died April 28, 1882; the children by her were Mary, Clarinda, Laura, Dorus, Emily, and Ella.  He died Sept. 20, 1890.  Ara Foy was born June 7, 1833, and Oct. 16, 1856, married Clara Hall, who was born in Randolph, Dec. 20, 1829; children: Louis, Mary, Joel H., and Edith.  Mr. Foy served in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav., and was discharged June 26, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 819

 

Surnames:  FRARY, CROOKS

 

John Frary was a native of New England and a soldier in the War of 1812.  He came to Napoli in 1820, where he partially cleared three farms, and died in 1857; his wife, Rachel Crooks, died here in 1865.  Their son, John Frary, preceded them to this town by one year and died Aug. 10, 1889.  Several descendants of the family still reside in the county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 819

 

Surnames:  GLOVER, COOK, LYON, FINNEY, ROSE

 

Henry W. Glover, son of Ezra and Annie (Cook) Glover, died Aug. 14, 1873.  His wife was Emily Lyon, whom he married Sept. 22, 1835.  She was a daughter of Abel and Nancy (Finney) Lyon, and was born in Milford, N. Y., March 4, 1822.  Abel Lyon was a native of Woodstock, Conn., and came to Napoli in 1840, dying finally at Salamanca at the age of eighty-nine years.  Besides Emily his children were Angeline, Walter, Moses, Elihu, Clarissa, Giles, Ezra, Electa, Calista, Deloss, and Frederick.  The children of Henry W. and Emily Glover were Josephine (deceased), George W. L., James G., Emily V., Henry W. (deceased), Cora A., and Willie.  James G. Glover married Eva, daughter of Wilber Rose.  Mrs. Emily Glover resides on the homestead.  Lafayette Glover served as supervisor of Napoli in 1889 and 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 820

 

Surnames:  GRAY, WARNER, MINER

 

David Gray was born in the eastern part of the state on April 26, 1807, came to Napoli soon after his marriage with Lorina Warner, and died May 10, 1845.  He was an energetic man, a farmer, and a miller.  Children: Betsey C., Mary E., Nathan W., Samuel W., George R., David O., Harriet A., and Eliza.  George R. Gray was born Aug. 19, 1839.  As a private he served in Co. E, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged in 1865.  He married Sarah R. Miner, July 3, 1866, who was born in Napoli, May 26, 1846, a daughter of Eliel T. and Sarah E. Miner; children: Emily R., Nellie E., Bertha L., Lida M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 820

 

Surnames:  HARRIS, PRATT, CLARK, BEARDSLEY, HERRICK

 

Esek Harris, son of Oliver, who died in Collins, N.Y., about 1835, was born in Rutland county, Vt., March 4, 1800, and died in Collins in July, 1855.  His wife, Susan Pratt, died in 1856. Children: Edwin, Lurania, Erastus, Lucinda, Cordelia, Betsey, Alice, Albert, and Warren S.  Warren S. Harris, born Aug. 5, 1824, married Jane M. Clark; children: Charles C., Ursula E., Ralph M., Luella C., Edwin L., Myra A., Carrie E., and George E.  He has resided for seventeen years on the farm first settled by Peter Beardsley.  Edwin L. Harris married Jennie, daughter of H. P. Herrick, and has a daughter, Eva.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 820

 

Surnames:  HOXIE, STANTON, CLARK

 

Thomas Hoxie was the son of a Quaker minister, Samuel by name, and was born and died in Rhode Island.  A son, Stephen, born March 16, 1814, came to Napoli in 1839 and died here Feb. 6, 1881.  The year preceding his arrival he married Mary Stanton; children: Charles R., Sarah S., Mary E., John S., and Thomas S.  The latter was born Jan. 4, 1851, and in 1869 married Lydia E. Clark; children: Mary E., William S., and Rosa M. (deceased).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 820

 

Surnames:  JONES, BAKER, FRASIER

 

Benjamin Jones, a native of Wales, came to Monroe county at an early day, and moved thence to Canada, where he died.  Of his children Matthew was born in Monroe county and in 1816 married Lucy Baker, who died in Canada; children: Lucy, Mary, Henry, Lena, Magdalene, Phebe, Albert, Lyman, Harriet, Matthew, Anson, and Orren N.  Orren N. Jones was born July 19, 1820.  Oct. 18, 1842, he married Percy C. Frasier, of Ontario county, and has been a farmer in Napoli twenty-seven years.  Children; William W., Lucy A., Harvey J., Clarissa F., Mary L., and William M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 820

 

Surnames:  LOWE, BIGLER, FRANKLIN, PALMER, LOWREY, SIBLEY

 

Abram Lowe served in the War of 1812 and came to Leon at an early day, dying there in 1850.  He married Catharine Bigler, who also died in Leon.  Children: Abram, Jr., Richard, Nicholas, Peter, and Polly.  Peter Lowe, born in Ovid, N.Y., in 1813, married Harriet Franklin; children: Edward, Abram, Manford, Polly, Betsey, Minerva, Della, Ida, and James.  James LOWE was born Aug. 21, 1832, and March 13, 1858, married Almira Fuller, who died May 7, 1860, leaving a son, Emerson, born May 6, 1860.  He married, second, Prutia Palmer, who died March 12, 1877; children: Melvin R., Martin J., and Minnie A.  His third wife is Mrs. Annie M. Lowrey, daughter of Ira Sibley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Pages: 820 & 821

 

Surnames:  MARSH, EAMES, NEWELL

 

Thomas Marsh was born June 27, 1754, in Douglass, Mass., where he died.  He had nine children, of whom Jesse was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisting at the age of sixteen.  Of the latter’s eleven children Orris was born July 29, 1806, in Dover, Vt., and came to Napoli in 1832.  He married Betsey E. Eames, of Carroll, N. Y.; children: Emily E., Fayette D., and H. Louise.  Emily E. married S. A. Newell and has three children.  Mr. Marsh is the only survivor of the Marsh family in Napoli, once so prominent in the town’s history.  For nineteen years he was a merchant at the Corners and for three terms served as postmaster; for twenty-three years he was supervisor of Napoli, serving from 1856 to 1863 consecutively, his first term being the year 1838 and his last one 1878.  His brother, Parley Marsh, held the office for  this town in  1833 and 1836 and for Cold Spring in 1847.  Orris Marsh, during his active life, was one of the town’s most influential citizens.  In old age and retired life he enjoys the confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends,  and has the distinction of being third in extent of service in the list of supervisors of the county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 821

 

Surnames:  MILKS, WAIT, PHILBRICK, WILLIAMS

 

Benjamin Milks was a son of John and Annie (Wait) Milks, early pioneers and prominent citizens of Napoli.  John Milks was supervisor of the town in 1840.  He came here from Cambridge, N. Y., when the county was a wilderness, and, like others, reclaimed a portion to cultivated fields.  The widow of Benjamin Milks survives and makes her home on the original Milks farm.  She has several children settled who bear the family name with honor. 

 

Prince Milks, son of Jonathan and a native of Washington county, was an early settler in Napoli.  He married Elizabeth Philbrick, of Cardiff, N. Y.; children: Luther P., Elizabeth, Frances, and Ruth.  Mr. Milks died in Dayton in 1880.  Luther P. was born in Cardiff and came to this town in 1850, where he died Feb. 26, 1893.  Nov. 22, 1859, he married Mary A. Williams, who was born in Leon on July 23, 1839; children: Abbie, Archie B., William A., and Olin R.  Mrs. Milks survives and resides on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 821

 

Surnames:  NICHOLAS, WILKINSON, BISHOP, HATCH

 

Daniel Nicholas, son of Josiah and Nancy A. (Wilkinson) Nicholas and grandson of Daniel, was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 24, 1800, came with his parents to Henrietta, N. Y., where his father died Aug. 27, 1821, and removed thence to Napoli in 1825.  Here he died April 26, 1883.  By his wife, Lydia Bishop, whose death occurred Sept. 2, 1859, he had these children: Daniel F., Josiah N., Jerry B., Mary A., Laura L., Sarah A., Lafayette W., Solomon F., Horace Y.,  Caroline S., Sarinda, and H. Estella.  Daniel F. Nicholas, born Dec. 5, 1819, came to this town with his father, and April 25, 1859, married Fanny W. Hatch: children: Lydia M. and Emilie A.  Solomon Nicholas, a brother of the Daniel first named, was a colonel in the old State militia and a prominent man in the early settlement of Randolph.  The family is descended from Francis Nicholas, his being one of the seventeen families composing the original colony at Stratford, Conn., in 1639.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 821

 

Surnames:  PALMER, GRAY

 

Asa Palmer, after living many years in Genesee county, came to Napoli, where he died about 1830, and where the death of his wife also occurred.  Children: Russell, William, Jason, Sally, Laura, Sophia, and Alma.  William Palmer came to this town in 1820 and died here in 1843.  His wife was Eunice Gray, who died in 1839.  They reared three children.  A. T. Palmer was supervisor of Napoli in 1872 and 1873.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Pages: 821 & 822

 

Surname:  PEASLEE

 

John Peaslee, a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., was one of the pioneer settlers of Napoli who imparted to the young community a strength of character and energy that is still potent in the present generation.  He was born Oct. 7, 1779.  He left many descendants who imbibed his sterling qualities of heart and mind, and transmitted them to their posterity.  He died, on the lot on which he settled, March 17, 1863.  His wife died Dec. 29, 1857.  A son, Joseph Peaslee, was supervisor of Napoli in 1855, 1866, 1876, and 1877.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 822

 

Surnames:  ROPPS, HALL, GARDNER, HITCHCOCK

 

John Ropps was born in Plymouth, Mass., in 1799, of Scotch ancestry. and when a mere lad served in the War of 1812-15.  In 1855 he came to Conewango, where he died aged fifty-nine, running a grist-mill on Elm creek three years previously.  He married Lucretia Hall, who died in Massachusetts; children: John D., William, Mary A., Phebe, Lewis H., Eleanor, and Mariah.  Lewis H. Ropps was born in Easton, Mass., June 30, 1837.  Coming to Conewango with his father in 1855 he married, June 15, 1859, Mary S. Gardner, who was born in this town July 25, 1840; children: Annie J. and George W.  The latter was born Nov. 6, 1863, and in 1885 married Luella J. Hitchcock, a native of Conewango.  Their children are Ruth A., Lewis E., and Ellen B.  Lewis H. Ropps is a farmer and a carpenter.  He is a breeder of fine Holstein-Friesian cattle, having at the present time ten cows and one bull Macaulay, all registered.  In this specialty Mr. Ropps takes much laudable pride.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 822

 

Surnames:  SIBLEY, BELLAMY, DARLING, MILLER, WILCOX, HAZEN, GOWEN, SPRAGUE, LOWREY

 

Charles Sibley, son of John and Esther (Bellamy) Sibley, was born July 4, 1801, and married Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer Darling, who was born Feb. 15, 1798, and who died Feb. 21, 1885; children: Harriet, Sherman, Charlotte, Amanda, Horace C., Orrin, Eben, Amenzo, and Judson.  Judson Sibley was born May 30, 1826, and Oct. 1, 1850, married Ann E. Miller, who died June 26, 1889; children: Ella and Herbert.  He married, second, Helen Wilcox.  Charles Sibley came to this town in 1842 from Otsego county and died Dec. 4, 1869.  Eben Sibley, born July 20, 1831, served as supervisor of Napoli in 1874, 1875, and 1880.  Judson Sibley has served one term as superintendent of common schools and has taught school twenty terms.  Ira Sibley, a son of John, married Polly Hazen; children: Ira, Levi, Cyrus, Rhoda, and Edgar and Edmond (twins).  He married, second, Mrs. Maranda Gowen, daughter of Stephen Sprague; children: Emily, Eliza J., Matilda, Annie M., and Susan.  Annie M. married James Lowrey, who died in 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 822

 

Surnames:  SMITH, WILCOX, METCALF, WILLS, BARBER, ASH

 

Zalmon Smith, who was born in Connecticut, died in 1846 in Enterprise, Mo.  His son Ira, born in  Bridgeport, Conn., June 8, 1793 came to Randolph in 1828, and died there in 1879.  He married Eliza Wilcox in 1819 and had born to him these children: Juliette, Janette, Myron, Ira, Elizabeth, Lucy, Henry, Oren, and Zalmon.  Zalmon Smith was born in Rochester, Dec. 26, 1822, and came to Napoli in 1855.  In Sept., 1841, he married Mary, daughter of Jotham Metcalf, of Conewango, and their children are David T.,  Ellen M., Emma A., Jotham M., Delia H., and Lillian E.  Delia H. Smith married Orey Wills, who died Oct. 7, 1881, leaving one son, Leo J. (deceased).  She married second, Lewis Barber.  Zalmon Smith enlisted Aug. 26, 1862, in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav., and served to the close of the war.  Lewis Barber enlisted Dec. 24, 1863, in Co. K, 14th N. Y. H. A., was wounded at Weldon Railroad, lost his hearing at the mine explosion in front of Petersburg, and was discharged in Aug. 26, 1865.  David T. Smith enlisted in Aug., 1861, in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav., was wounded at Brandy Station ,and was discharged in Aug., 1864.  John Ash, father of Mrs. Jotham Metcalf, was a Revolutionary soldier and Jotham Metcalf served in the War of 1812.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 822

 

Surnames:  THORP, MOREHOUSE

 

Walter Thorp, son of David and Sarah (Morehouse) Thorp, was born Jan. 26, 1795, and died Nov. 1, 1872.  He represented Cold Spring (then including Napoli) on the Board of Supervisors in 1824, 1825, and 1826, and Napoli from 1828 to 1832 inclusive and again in 1834.  The family were prominent settlers.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Pages: 822 & 823

 

Surnames:  WHIPPLE, FINCH, TRACY, GAGE, BEARDSLEY

 

Jonathan J. Whipple, son of Joseph and Betsey (Finch) Whipple, married, in 1841, Susan Tracy, of New Albion; children: Joseph, Porter, and George W.  George W. Whipple, born in Little Valley, June 21, 1842, married, Sept. 20, 1866, Mary S., daughter of James Gage, and has had children Ida I., Annie M., Asher P., Charles J., Hattie, and Pattie M.  Annie M. married F. Beardsley, of East Randolph.  George W. Whipple enlisted Oct. 9, 1861, in Co. F. 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged Oct. 9, 1864.  He was a prisoner of Belle Isle six months and is now a pensioner.  Jonathan J. Whipple was an early settler in Little Valley, where he cleared a farm, and also another in Cold Spring, and was extensively engaged in driving cattle.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Napoli – Chapter XXXVII (37)

Page 823

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, BISHOP, BURBANKS, SLOAN

 

Ralph Williams, a descendant of Roger Williams and a native of Massachusetts, came to Conewango in 1825, cleared a farm, and died at the home of his son in Cold Spring in 1875.  He married Sally Bishop, who died at Steamburgh also in 1875.  Children: Alzerah, Bishop, Loren, William W., Alvah, and Frederick R.  The latter, born June 30, 1820, came to Napoli in 1857, and the same year married Roena Burbanks, who died aged forty-three.  He married, second, Ophelia D. Sloan; children: Ralph L. and Edith M.  He is a farmer on the place he has occupied thirty-two years, being the first settler on Amos hill.

 

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TOWN OF NEW ALBION

 

TOWN HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 823 - 826

 

New Albion, the fourth township north from the south line of the State, in range eight, contains 22,988 acres as surveyed by the Holland Land Company.  It was formed from Little Valley on February 23, 1830.  A few years before this, several prominent families from Orleans county had settled here and New Albion was named from Albion in the county they had left.  The surface of the town is high and hilly, and occupies a part of the “dividing ridge.”  From the summit of Tug hill a grand panorama of the surrounding country is displayed and a distinct view of Lake Erie can be had.  The town is well watered by small brooks and by numerous springs.  The streams in the northern part flow into the south branch of Cattaraugus creek, while those in the southwestern part find an outlet into the east branch of the Conewango.  The soil is fertile and produces abundant crops of excellent hay and furnishes fine pasturage, which is mainly consumed by dairies.  Remunerative crops of Indian corn and other grain are also raised.  Fruit is successfully cultivated and the manufacture of maple sugar receives considerable attention.  The town is bounded on the north by Persia and Otto, on the east by Mansfield, on the south by Napoli, and on the west by Leon.

 

A squatter named Matthew DIMMICK, who settled in 1818 on lot 57, is credited with building the first shanty in New Albion for a white man’s habitation, but he did not remain long nor did he make such improvements on the place.  James GODDARD the same year settled on lot 9 and was the first permanent settler in town.  He opened his log house as a tavern and kept hotel until 1830.  Robert GUY, from Otsego county in 1822, settled on the main road to the west.  He purchased the interest of David HAMMOND and built a log house for a tavern.  He was a prominent man.  Judge Benjamin CHAMBERLAIN resided on lot 1 in 1818.  In 1824 he sold his improvements to Leicester TRACY, the first supervisor of New Albion in 1830.  Jonathan KINNICUTT settled on lot 18 the next year.  He came from Montgomery county.  The same year David HILL came from the same county and settled on lot 18.  He later removed to Gowanda.  Smith WATERMAN came about the same time, settled on lot 25, sold to Robert CHAMPLIN, and moved to Perry.  John A. KINNICUTT came from Rensselaer county and settled on lot 18 on January 12, 1821.  The town was then a part of Little Valley and Mr. KINNICUTT was a justice of the peace in that town; he was the first town clerk of New Albion.  Other prominent settlers of the town from 1821 to 1830 were Jeremiah MAYBEE in 1822; Horace SNYDER in 1825; William BUFFINGTON in 1826; William TRAVIS, a son-in-law, who settled near Mr. BUFFINGTON; John S. HARVEY, who had eighty acres of cleared land in 1838 and was then the largest farmer in town: Isaac RICE, who was one of the first justices, and who mysteriously disappeared while on a business trip down the Alleghany river; J.H. and S.B. HERRICK, who settled off lot 4 about 1826; and Robert CHAMPLIN on lot 33 the same year.  Abram DAY made a home on lot 34 and was keeper of the light-house at Dunkirk in General JACKSON’s administration.  Calvin HARTWELL came from Orleans county in 1826 and Calvin RICH from the same county in 1828.  Mr. RICH was one of the most prominent men of the town.  His brother Arad settled near him.  James and Warren BARNARD came from the same place.  Charles SIBLEY, who settled on lot 44, built the first grist-mill in town.  The ROSS and PAYNE families and Jacob SMITH all came before 1830.  Nicholas EVERTS, James and Jonathan B. JEWELL, Daniel H. POWELL, and Thomas J. WATERS were all early pioneers of New Albion.  Hon. Horace C. YOUNG settled on lot 41 in May 1832, where he spent the rest of his life.

 

Primitive saw-mills were constructed on the streams in different neighborhoods which had water enough to run them.  Matthew NEALY erected a mill in 1834 on a branch of Cattaraugus creek on lot 29.  John JONES was the next mill proprietor.  William KENDALL built a saw-mill on lot 35 quite early.  This was operated by Solomon G. WRIGHT, who built for himself, near the mill, a residence which was so unusual in shape and design that his neighbors called it “Solomon’s Temple,” a name it still bears.  Charles SIBLEY built the first grist-mill in the town in 1836, on a branch of Conewango creek, which served the settlers about 20 years.  James GODDARD kept the first tavern on lot 1.  He is supposed to have opened his house to travelers as early as 1820.  The first white children born in town were Robia A. and Avis C., twin daughters of Mr. And Mrs. Jonathan KINNICUTT, in April 1819.  The first wedding was solemnized by a Methodist minister in 1824, the contracting parties being Noel HOPKINS and Sally SIMMONS.  The first death in town was that of a daughter of Noah DREW.  James GODDARD, who died in 1830, was the first adult who departed this life in New Albion.

 

The first town meeting was held at the house of John A. KINNICUTT, March 2 and 3, 1830, and made choice of a full set of town officers:  Leicester TRACY, supervisor; John A. KINNICUTT, town clerk; John A. KINNICUTT, Isaac RICE, Calvin RICH, Abram DAY, justices of the peace; Josiah PIERCE, Isaac RICE, William ROSS, assessors; James MAYBEE, collector; Timothy GUY, Noah HIGBEE, Isaac P. WOOD, James MAYBEE, constables; James BUFFINGTON, James WILLIAMS, Arad RICH, commissioners of highways; William BUFFINGTON, William HIGBEE, Leicester TRACY, school commissioners; Comfort E. SUMNER, Calvin RICH, John A. KINNICUTT, school inspectors; Robert GUY, Timothy GOWAN, overseers of the poor.  The supervisors, town clerks, and justices of the peace since 1830 are as follows:

 

Supervisors. – Leicester TRACY, 1830; Calvin RICH, 1831-36; John S. HARVEY, 1837; Byron GRAHAM, 1838-42, 1844; Horace C. YOUNG, 1843, 1845-48; William BUFFINGTON, Jr., 1849-50, 1857; John MOSHER, 1851-52; Alson LEAVENWORTH, 1853-54; John P. DARLING, 1855-56, 1858, 1860-61, 1863, 1865, 1867, 1875; Martin HARDENBURG, 1859; Hiram RUMSEY, 1862; John KINNICUTT, 1864; Bolivar R. LAMB, 1866,1871; Horatio N. BABB, 1868; Eugene A. NASH, 1869-70, 1873-74; T.L. TEN EYCK, 1872; Sylvester W. COX, 1876; Gilbert MILKS, 1877; Wilber J. MANLEY, 1878-79; Herbert C. RICH, 1880-81; A.E. SNYDER, 1882-83; Francis M. MOSHER, 1884-85; George LATTIN 1886-87; Sanford F. BURGER, 1888-89; Charles J. RICH, 1890; D.H, CARROLL, 1891-92; William E. MOSHER, 1893.

 

Town Clerks. -- John A. KINNICUTT, 1830-34, 1835-45, 1847-48; Thomas J. WATERS, 1835; Josiah WHITCOMB, 1846; Reuben J. WATERS, 1849-52; Charles KENDALL, 1853; John COOPER, 1854; Whitney JEWELL, 1855; Hiram RUMSEY, 1856-57; 1859, 1866-67; L.H. MALTBIE, 1858, 1860; Elisha L. JOHNSON, 1861-65, 1868-69; Hiram N. HERRICK, 1870; William C. MAXSON, 1871; Ezra HUNTON, 1872-74; Marion J. RICH, 1875-76; George HUNTON, 1877; Tompkins L. TEN EYCK, 1878; Daniel E. POWELL, 1879; Ara E. MOSHER, 1880-82; Sanford F. BURGER, 1883-86; Walton F. ANDREWS, 1887-88; Orlando WHITE, 1889; Hollen W. RICH, 1890-91, 1893; J.H. SIGMAN, 1892.

 

Justices of the Peace. – 1831, Comfort E. SUMNER, Linus SUTLIFF; 1832, Isaac RICE; 1833, Charles SIBLEY, Calvin HALL; 1834, Horace C. YOUNG; 1835, John A. KINNICUTT, Calvin HALL; 1836, Abram MATTESON; 1837, John MOSHER, Adonijah BURRELL; 1838, John A. KINNICUTT, William TRAVIS, Robert YOUNG; 1839, Arad RICH; 1840, Calvin HALL; 1841, Solomon G. WRIGHT; 1842, John A. KINNICUTT; 1843, Seth LANE; 1844, Melzer JONES, Arad RICH; 1845, William D. CORNELL, Harrison JUDD; 1846, Levi W. BOARDMAN; 1847, John A. KINNICUTT; 1848, Harrison JUDD, Solomon G. WRIGHT; 1849, William D. CORNELL; 1850, Arad RICH; 1851, Orrin TUBBS, Levi W. BOARDMAN; 1852, Pliny L. FOX, Asa FRANKLIN; 1853, Warren BERNARD; 1854, Beulah TARBOX; 1855, John A. KINNICUTT, Arad RICH, Jason HUNTLEY; 1856, Alson LEAVENWORTH; 1857, Asa PRITCHARD, Allen CAMPBELL; 1858, William C. MILLS, Melzer JONES; 1859, John A. KINNICUTT, Zumri HOWE, Daniel BROWN; 1860, Jared PUDDY; 1861, Arad RICH; 1862, George HUNTON; 1863, George A. PAYNE; 1864, George STRAIGHT; 1865, Arad RICH; 1866, Wilber F. KINNICUTT, George HUNTON, Elias L. MATTESON; 1867, John A. KINNICUTT, John RUSSELL; 1868, Truman MATTOCK; 1869, James H. RIDER; 1870 George HUNTON; 1871, Edwin DAVIS; 1872, William P. PFLUEGER; 1873, Salmon L. JOHNSON; 1874, George HUNTON; 1875, Edwin DAVIS; 1876, Salmon L. JOHNSON; 1877, George STRAIGHT; 1878, George HUNTON; 1879, Edwin DAVIS; 1880, Salmon L. JOHNSON, Myron COOK; 1881, George STRAIGHT, Albert J. EDDY; 1882, George HUNTON; 1883, J.L. HIGBEE; 1884, Albert EDDY; 1885, George STRAIGHT; 1886, Edgar E. WAITE; 1887, George HUNTON; 1888, Albert EDDY; 1889, Henry A. LOCKE; 1890, Edgar E. WAITE; 1891, L.H. NORTHRUP; 1892, Albert EDDY; 1893, Lewis W. MORGAN.

 

The first settlers in this town largely preferred the hills to the valleys, and the first highways were made on the highlands.  The old Chautauqua road is an apt illustration.  The early inhabitants on Snyder hill cut a road several miles through the woods to a saw-mill in Skinner Hollow.  As the settlements progressed, roads have been opened in all parts of the town and are kept in good condition.  The Erie railroad, completed in 1851, traverses the eastern part of New Albion and has a station at Cattaraugus.

 

Schools were taught in New Albion several years before it was set off from Little Valley.  The first one was kept in the summer of 1823 by John ALLEN.  Francis WINCHESTER taught one in the Buffington neighborhood in 1826.  In 1830 the town had a population of 380; in 1850, 1633; in 1870, 1487; in 1890, 1858.  In 1892 there were seven school districts and schools were maintained in each of them, and were taught by twelve teachers.  The aggregate attendance was 509.  The school buildings and sites were valued at $19,100; the assessed value of the districts was $637,835.  The amount of public money received from the State was $1,679.56 and by local tax $5,012.46.

 

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Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

The Village of Cattaraugus

Pages 826 - 830

 

Cattaraugus, the principal village of New Albion, is situated in the northern part of the town about eight miles north of Little Valley.  The business part of the town is located on the hillside facing the southeast.  As late as 1830 the entire site was a dense forest.  In May 1851, the railroad was completed and a station erected.  The farm of Joseph PLUMB embraced the territory, which he forever dedicated to temperance by inserting in the conveyance of the lots which he had platted for the village a prohibitory clause, by the terms of which the title is forfeited if intoxicating liquors are sold as a beverage on the premises and the property reverts to Mr. PLUMB or his heirs.  After several years had elapsed, a Mr. TUBBS began to openly sell liquors on his property.  Mr. PLUMB entreated him to desist, but in vain.  PLUMB commenced a suit to recover his lot, which was stubbornly contested by TUBBS and his abettors to the Court of Appeals, where the decisions of the lower courts in favor of Mr. PLUMB were affirmed.  Mr. PLUMB magnanimously deeded the reverted property to the family of Mr. TUBBS, who had involved himself in debt in the struggle.  Simultaneous with the building of the depot was opened the store of Mr. ELLIOTT and the faithful coadjutor of Mr. PLUMB, S.L. JOHNSON.  A hotel was also opened to the public by William BUFFINGTON.  In the same year, M.F. MALTBIE came and established business in the manufacture and sale of clothing.  The firm of DARLING & WILSON opened a general store in the fall of 1852.  Other early merchants were Hiram RUMSEY, A.E. LEAVENWORTH, L.D. BOTSFORD, James FERRIS, and Nathaniel CHRISTIE.  The village now contains three general stores, a hardware store, a jewelry store, a drug store, two groceries, two merchant tailoring establishments, a harness shop, two carriage shops, several dealers of various kinds, one weekly newspaper, a tannery, an edged-tool manufactory, a barrel and stave factory and flouring-mill, a tin and sheet-iron manufactory, three lawyers, two physicians, a Union Free School and Academy, five churches, a bank, telegraph, telephone, and express offices, two or three hotels, the usual complement of shops, artisans. etc., and a population in 1890 of 878.  The village is incorporated and the present officers are William EASTON, president; Fred RICH and John OSBORN, trustees; Danford RICH, collector; F.E. JOHNSON, treasurer.  The post office was established with S.L. JOHNSON as postmaster in 1851, and in October 1877 became a money order office.  Cattaraugus has had one sweeping cyclone and three fires.  The severest fire occurred Sept. 5, 1889.

 

The Bank of Cattaraugus was organized as a private bank in 1882 and each co-partner is individually liable.  At its organization the bank had a paid up capital of $11,000 which has been increased to $22,000.  The first officers were O.F. BEACH, president; C. MOENCH, vice-president; H.E. GREENE, cashier.  The present officers are S.S. LAING, president; C. MOENCH, vice-president; F.E. JOHNSON, cashier.  The stockholders represent $400,000 capital.  This institution was re-organized as a State bank March 30, 1892.

 

The Cattaraugus Union Free School and Academy was organized from school district No. 1 October 29, 1878.  The first Board of Education – Rev. J.L. HIGBEE, Dr. T.L. De NIKE, Frank S. OAKES, Christopher MOENCH, and John S. GIBBS – was awake to the advantages of education of the children of their village and at once adopted a policy to make the school it was founding an institution where the young might be thoroughly prepared to enter any college in the country.  At the opening of the school there were only 175 children of school age residing in the district and but three teachers were employed.  The number of children has increased to 325 and the number of teachers to seven.  In 1888 the academic department was inaugurated and placed under the supervision of the Regents of the University of the State of New York.  The first class graduated in 1891:  Nellie Ethel RICH, Inez P. RICH, L. Lena LATTIN, and Clarence B. FARRAR.  A much larger class graduated the year following.  During the school year, of 1892-93 there were 300 pupils enrolled.  Two students of the year are entitled to Regents’ classical diplomas and six to graduation.  Thirty-nine non-resident pupils were in attendance.  In 1887 an imposing, well-built, and convenient brick school building was erected, which was burned February 20, 1893.  The remainder of the term was taught in rooms temporarily fitted up and the school was closed but one day.  The district soon unanimously voted the sum of $18,000 with which to rebuild and furnish, with library and apparatus, a new brick structure, which will be completed in time for the fall term.  The site is situated on high ground and surrounded by a beautiful maple grove.

 

Liberty Park Cemetery Association was incorporated February 1, 1892, with these officers:  Albert TEN EYCK, president; William PFLUEGER, vice-president; D.W. KEELER, secretary; R.H. MALTBIE, treasurer.  The cemetery is situated within the limits of the village and embraces about five acres, which have been used for a burial place for some years.  The present trustees are J.H. JEWELL, D.W. KEELER, O.C. RICH, and A.F. SIGMAN.

 

The little post village of New Albion, formerly known as HORTH’s Corners, is situated near the geographical center of the township and was for many years the only business place in the town.  It contains the hotel erected by Erastus HORTH, who kept the house many years and was succeeded by Thad CORNELL.  Since then it has had numerous landlords.  For many years the village has maintained two stores, a saw-mill, and a cheese factory.  Besides these it now contains one church edifice and a population of about 100.  Since the advent of the Erie railroad its business interests have materially decreased.  The post office was established as early as 1833 and the mail is now received daily by carrier from Cattaraugus.

 

The Cattaraugus tannery in Cattaraugus Village, the property of C. MOENCH, was originally built by Martin HARTENBURG in 1851.  It was then a small concern operated by two men.  June 29, 1865, Mr. MOENCH purchased it, several times enlarged and improved it, and in June 1888, the entire plant except the dry house was consumed by fire.  Mr. MOENCH immediately rebuilt and had the present commodious building ready to resume business the ensuing October.  The main building is 250 x 60 feet and the dry house is 110 x 40 feet and four stories high.  A second dry house is used for finishing upper leather.  The business has been conducted by the firm of C. MOENCH & Son since July 1, 1889.  From 1865 to 1880 the firm name was C. MOENCH & Co., and consisted of C. MOENCH of Cattaraugus, and Charles A. GAENSSLEN and Mathias GAENSSLEN of Chicago.  From then until 1889 C. MOENCH conducted the business alone.  They now employ seventy-five men and are building an addition to the tannery which will double its present capacity.

 

TEN EYCK Edge Tool Company, in Cattaraugus, was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York on April 6, 1883, and had their shops erected and opened for business in July following.  The officers at the organization were E.L. JOHNSON, president; L.H. NORTHRUP, secretary; H.E. GREENE, treasurer; Albert TEN EYCK, superintendent.  The plant was consumed by fire January 24, 1890, and immediately rebuilt, enlarged, and ready to resume business in April.  The company commenced with a capital of $20,000.  Their plant covers an area of 200 x 40 feet, besides a convenient office and storage building.  The motive power is generated by an eighty horse-power boiler.  They manufacture axes, broadaxes, hatchets, and adzes, and employ fifty men.  Their annual output averages $50,000.  The present officers are H.W. HINMAN, president; L.H. NORTHRUP, secretary, treasurer, and manager; Albert TEN EYCK, superintendent.

 

The Cattaraugus mills are located on Mill street on the railroad.  The motive power is furnished by an eighty horse-power engine.  This plant combines a grist-mill with two runs of stone, a circular saw-mill, planers, and matchers, machinery for the manufacture of barrels, and a shingle-mill, and employs to twenty-five men.  The mills are owned by S.L. & E.L. JOHNSON.

 

George M. DAVIS’s saw-mill at New Albion was erected by WAITE & DAVIS in the fall of 1889 near the site of a mill built by Daniel HAWKINS in 1873.  The property passed to Mr. DAVIS in 1888.  Two mills have been burned on the site, the last one being consumed in 1888.  Mr. DAVIS is sole owner.  The motive power is steam and the capacity is 12,000 feet of lumber per day.

 

The Methodist Episcopal denomination was the first religious society to hold regular meetings in town.  As early as 1827, a Methodist class was formed on SNYDER hill by Rev. Joseph S. BARRIA, a preacher on the Forestville circuit.  The meetings were held at Horace SNYDER’s house – he being one of the members of the class – until Calvin RICH settled there in 1828 and built a larger log house, when they convened at his dwelling the ensuing twenty years.  The quarterly meetings were sometimes held in barns.  In 1832 a Methodist class was formed at HORTH’s Corners, now New Albion.  This class now contains twenty-five members and holds regular service in the Free Methodist church alternate Sundays.  Rev. O.G. McENTIRE, of Cattaraugus, is pastor.

 

January 8, 1857, the Cattaraugus Methodist Episcopal Society was incorporated and Arad RICH, L.D. BOTSFORD, Spencer RICH, Danford RICH, and Ephraim FORD were chosen trustees.  Their present church edifice was erected in the Village of Cattaraugus at a cost of $2,500.  The Methodist class on SNYDER hill formed the nucleus of this church.  In 1877 the title of the society was changed to the “Methodist Episcopal Society of the village of Cattaraugus.”  The house of worship has been enlarged and much improved and now has a seating capacity for 500 persons.  Anson SMITH donated to the society a fine parsonage with ample grounds, valued at $2,000, and Mary RICH has also made it a valuable gift.  The whole property is valued at $6,000.  The church now has 150 members and over 40 probationers with Rev. O.G. McENTIRE as pastor.  The large Sunday school is regularly attended.

 

A Freewill Baptist society was organized in the eastern part of the town about 1840, which held meetings in the school house of the neighborhood eight or ten years and disbanded.

 

The Christians organized a society simultaneously with the Freewill Baptists and held their meetings in a log school house northeast of the village of Cattaraugus, near the corner of the town.  It existed only a few years.

 

The Wesleyan Methodist church of Cattaraugus was organized by Rev. F.M. MOSHER on March 8, 1880, with nine members.  Rev. Mr. MOSHER became the first pastor.  In 1880 the present house of worship was erected at a cost of $1,000.  The church now has sixty-two members with Rev. S. BEDFORD as pastor.  The present value of the church property is $2,500.  The edifice will seat 200 people.  The Sunday school has fifty-six scholars.

 

St. John’s Lutheran church, located in the village of Cattaraugus, was organized January 1, 1886, by Rev. W.E. ROMMELL, who was the first pastor.  It then consisted of twenty members and has increased to forty-two.  In 1888 the first and present edifice was erected of wood and has a seating capacity for 350 persons.  The church property is valued at $3,000.  Rev. Lew ULMER is the present pastor.  The Sunday school is attended by 15 or 20 scholars with William PFLUEGER as president and William DIETRICH as secretary.

 

The Free Methodist church, located in the village of New Albion, was organized in 1884 by Rev. Thomas SLOCUM with eight or nine members.  The church edifice was built of wood and dedicated July 4, 1885, and will seat 140 people.  The membership in 1892 was only three with six probationers.  The pastor was Rev. Joseph THOMPSON, of Cattaraugus.  The Union Sunday school has forty-five scholars and seven teachers with Miss Ellen BONARD as superintendent.

 

The Free Methodist church of North America, located in Cattaraugus village, was organized in 1878 by Rev. Mr. ESSEX, who was its first pastor.  It originally had nine members, the present being thirty-six with nine probationers.  The present pastor is Rev. G.M. ALLEN.  In 1880 the society erected their first and present house of worship at a cost of $1,500; this with the grounds is valued at $1,200.  This church maintains a Sunday school.

 

St. Mary’s church (Roman Catholic), of Cattaraugus, was incorporated December 12, 1863, the trustees being Rt. Rev. John TIMON, Bishop of Buffalo; Rev. F.N. LESTER, vicar-general; Rev. John BAUDENELLI, pastor, residing at Dunkirk; and Stephen O’DONNELL and John GORDON, lay members.  A plain church edifice was erected.  It is now a part of Dayton parish and Rev. Father NASH is the parish priest.

 

Cattaraugus Lodge, No. 56, A.O.U.W., was instituted January 10, 1877.  The first officers were Thomas BABB, P.M.W.; George P. WALTERS, M.W.; William A. COX, F.; M.F. LENOX, R.  It now has thirty-five members.

 

Glen Lodge, No. 888, Knights of Honor, was instituted January 31, 1878, with about thirty members.  Thomas BABB was elected dictator and W.W. TERRY, secretary.  The present membership is thirty.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 830

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, BENSON, COWEN, CROWELL, JACQUAY, LUCE, WEBSTER

 

The ADAMS family in America are of English origin.  Their ancestors settled in Quincy, Mass. in 1630.  Henry ADAMS was the father of John ADAMS, the second president of the United States.  John ADAMS was the father of John Quincy ADAMS, “the old man eloquent” and also president.  His son, Charles Francis ADAMS, was the father of Charles Francis ADAMS, Jr.  Henry ADAMS, son of David, was born in Johnstown, NY, July 18, 1804, and was a lineal descendant of Henry, of Quincy, Mass.  Oct. 6, 1831, he married Belinda COWEN, in Hanover, NY.  She was born in Martinsburgh, Lewis county, Nov. 17, 1806.  Her father was a minuteman in the War of 1812.  Mr. ADAMS was a farmer in Hanover until the spring of 1837, when he removed to Snyder hill in New Albion, where he died April 11, 1885.  He was employed in digging the Erie canal, and he and his wife early united with the Methodist Episcopal church.  He was first an old line Whig and later a Republican.  Mrs. ADAMS survives at the age of over eighty-five years.  Children: Jane Ann, born June 28, 1832, died May 4, 1850; Marcellus, born Feb. 5, 1834, of Sturgis, Mich.; Martha M. (Mrs. Job BENSON), of New Albion, died in 1876; Marcena, born Aug. 20, 1838, married Hiram H. LUCE, Oct. 23, 1856, who died in April, 1862, at Fortress Monroe; Persis J., born Jan., 17, 1841, married George W. WEBSTER of Big Rapids, Mich.; Marquis Dela, born March 23, 1843, married Mrs. Alice (CROWELL) JACQUAY, and remains on the homestead; and John H., born Aug. 29, 1845, a farmer in Tyrone, Mich.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 830

 

Surnames:  ACKERMAN, BENLARE

 

John G. ACKERMAN, son of John G. and Barbara (BENLARE) ACKERMAN, was born in Concord, NY, May 2, 1856.  His parents were born in Germany, where they were married.  They came to America when Buffalo was a small city.  The father died when John G. was seventeen and the latter removed from Hamburg to Otto very soon after.  There he learned the tailor’s trade.  In the spring of 1886, he came to Cattaraugus and became a merchant tailor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 831

 

Surnames:  BABB, DeMERRITT, HERRICK, WARREN

 

Horatio BABB, born in Barrington, NH, May 19, 1812, married Oct. 28, 1833, Mary A. DeMERRITT of Dover, NH, and first settled with his parents where his oldest son, Leander E., was born March 20, 1835.  He went to Boston in 1835, and in 1836 to Baltimore, and was later a merchant in New York.  In 1844 he resided in Steuben county.  He was actively engaged in the construction of the Erie railroad and removed to Alfred Center, Alleghany county.  In May 1851, he came to Cattaraugus as station agent, which position he filled to the close of his life excepting the time he spent in the army.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 64th NY Vols. And served as regimental quartermaster until he resigned on account of ill health.  He returned to his position and died Nov. 12, 1871.  For many years he served as trustee of the village school and was supervisor of New Albion in 1868.  Mrs. BABB died Dec. 8, 1886.

Children of Horatio and Mary BABB:

Leander E. BABB, of Chicago

Mertia D. BABB (Mrs. J.H. WARREN), died Aug. 5, 1871

M. Elizabeth BABB

H. Sue BABB, (both sisters reside on the homestead)

Thomas BABB of Chicago

Albert H. BABB of Chicago

Ben L. BABB of Cleveland, Ohio

Belle BABB, widow of H. M. HERRICK

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 831

 

Surnames:  BEMIS, BOOTH, HUNTLEY, SMITH, TAYLOR, TOWN

 

Stephen BEMIS, son of Stephen and Clarissa (HUNTLEY) BEMIS, was born in Vermont, April 7, 1799. He removed with his parents to the Holland purchase, and on Feb. 21, 1821, married Sally SMITH, who was born Nov. 19, 1802.  In 1829 they came to New Albion and settled on the farm now owned by their son Alonzo.  They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mr. BEMIS died April 30, 1863; Mrs. BEMIS died June 19, 1881.  Children: Lucius, born in Middlebury, NY, July 26, 1823; Nancy (Mrs. George BOOTH), born Jan. 19, 1825; Minerva (Mrs. Rufus TOWN), born July 18, 1827; Alonzo, born Feb. 1, 1832, married Alpharetta TAYLOR, May 5, 1877, has one daughter, Rosa May, born Feb. 2, 1879, and resides on the homestead; and Sarah, born Oct. 1, 1842, died age ten months.  Alonzo BEMIS, soon after he was twenty-one, assumed the heavy debt against the old home, supported his parents to the close of their lives, and has added to his farm until he now has 110 acres.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 831

 

Surnames:  BLACK, ANDREWS, MOREY

 

Helen Elizabeth BLACK, eldest daughter of Willis M. and Mariette ANDREWS, was born at East Otto, July 18, 1842.  May 6, 1860, she married William W. MOREY, son of Barton MOREY, one of East Otto’s pioneers.  William W. MOREY enlisted in April, 1861, in Co. I, 37th NY Vols., dying while in the service at Annapolis, MD, May 26, 1862.  Thus widowed so young by ruthless war, she took up the burden of life as a school teacher.  Feb. 7, 1872, she married Charles BLACK, who was also a volunteer in the military service of the United States, and who died at New Albion, Aug. 8, 1877.  Though twice a widow and childless, her pleasant home is a favorite gathering place.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 831

 

Surnames:  BLAKELY, CLOUGH, CRANDALL, DANLEY, VINCENT

 

Harry BLAKELY, born in Marcellus, NY, May 3, 1792, died July 26, 1837,  He was a natural mechanic, but spent his life as a farmer.  He married, in Forestville, Fanny CLOUGH, who was born in 1800.  About 1822 he purchased one hundred acres on the Gowanda road in Persia, then a part of Perrysburg, and a year or two later cleared several acres.  He returned to Forestville, and in 1826, with a pair of steers and a cart of his own construction, in which was loaded his household goods and family, he came to Cattaraugus county.  Mr. BLAKELY was one of the prominent men of his town and held many of the prominent offices.  He died on the place where he first settled.  Mrs. BLAKELY survived until 1844.  Children: Justus, born Sept. 26, 1821; Hiram, born April 1, 1826; Welthy, born May 2, 1828, married Hiram VINCENT of Persia, deceased; Harriet, born in 1831, married Darius DANLEY; Darwin, born in 1833, died in 1834; and Otsy O., born in 1836, married James CRANDALL.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 832

 

Surnames:  BLAKELY, EDDY, FREEBORN

 

Hiram BLAKELY gained a good English education and began his business life a farmer.  He was also a skillful carpenter and cabinet maker, and placed in operation the first planing-mill and cider-mill in Cattaraugus.  With his sons and sons-in-law he manufactured thousands of dollars worth of furniture and erected eight houses in Cattaraugus village.  He married Fidelia, daughter of Eldridge and Eunice EDDY, of Persia, Feb. 11, 1844.  She was the mother of Ermina J. and Edgar E.  She died in Dec. of 1849.  On March 31, 1850, he married Laura FREEBORN, of Persia.  Children:  Charles F., Lelia A., Elson J., L. Rosella, Frank N., Walter V., and R. Ernest.  Mr. BLAKELY died on May 13, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 832

 

Surnames:  BLOOD, MANN

 

H. Frank BLOOD, son of John, was born in Arcade, NY on April 30, 1847.  He received a good English education, which he finished at Arcade Academy.  His father was a farmer and blacksmith, and he assisted in both avocations until he became twenty-three, when he commenced cheese making, and the year following became a butter and cheese buyer.  In 1877 he purchased a half-interest in the general mercantile business of S.F. MANN in Arcade under the firm name of MANN & BLOOD.  Two years later he sold this interest and the firm opened a store in Franklinville, of which Mr. BLOOD had entire charge.  About 1881 he purchased the interest of Mr. MANN and became sole proprietor.  In 1889 he began the erection of his large brick block in the village of Cattaraugus, to which he moved his stock of goods.  Mr. BLOOD is a member of the Board of Education.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 832

 

Surnames:  BOARDMAN, CHAPIN, GARFIELD, POWELL, SPENCER

 

Levi W. BOARDMAN was a son of Ephraim and Sarah (SPENCER) BOARDMAN, natives of Connecticut, who married there.  Ephraim was a colonel in the Revolutionary War; his wife’s father, John SPENCER, was a captain.  Levi W., born in Otsego County, NY on Sept. 12, 1809, married on Feb. 7, 1831, Araminta D. CHAPIN.  He settled there as a farmer, where four of his children were born.  In the fall of 1844 he settled a little north of the village of New Albion, where he died on July 20, 1891.  Mrs. BOARDMAN died Feb. 5, 1880.  He was justice of the peace eight years.

Children:

Albert E. BOARDMAN, born Jan. 25, 1832

Isaac H. BOARDMAN, born June 14, 1835

Maria T. BOARDMAN, born Dec. 30, 1836

Francis D. BOARDMAN, born Sept 26, 1840

Thomas W. BOARDMAN, born Feb. 21, 1847

 

Francis D. BOARDMAN came to New Albion with his parents, and in July 1859, married Cynthia B. GARFIELD, a relative of the late President GARFIELD.  On Sept. 2, 1861, he enlisted in the 9th NY Cav. and in December was confined by rheumatism in the regimental hospital at Camp Fenton, remaining until Feb. 1862, when he was sent to the hospital in Washington and discharged April 9, 1862.  He receives a pension.  Mrs. BOARDMAN died on March 28, 1873.  On March 28, 1874, Francis married Mrs. Isabel W., widow of James A. GARFIELD of Buffalo County, Neb.  Children: Carrie E., Ernest L., and Glenn F.  Francis BOARDMAN was a pioneer in Buffalo County, Neb. from 1870 to 1881.  He served on the first grand jury of that county and was a member of the grand or petit jury of each succeeding court until he left the State.

 

Isaac H. BOARDMAN married Lucy C. POWELL, of New Albion, on March 17, 1861.  In 1863 he settled where he now resides.  On Sept. 2, 1864 he enlisted in the 13th N.Y.H.A. and was discharged on June 2, 1865.  He has served as highway commissioner and on the Board of Excise.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 832 & 833

 

Surnames:  BURGER, CALVER, GOLDSBOROUGH, OAKES

 

Sanford F. BURGER, son of Andrew BURGER of Otto, was born in Olean on March 15, 1860.  He attended the common schools and finished his education in Oberlin College, Ohio.  He taught two terms of district school, the first one in Otto at the age of thirteen.  His father was a cabinet maker, and from him he learned his trade.  In 1880 he came to Cattaraugus and engaged as clerk with OAKES & CALVER, dealers in cheese factory goods and manufacturers of scale board.  He succeeded Mr. CALVER in the business, and the firm became OAKES & BURGER.  Mr. BURGER is a staunch Republican.  In 1882 he was elected clerk of New Albion and held the position five consecutive years.  In 1888 he was chosen supervisor and was re-elected in 1889.  He has also been president of Cattaraugus village two years and is now superintendent of the village water works and chief of the fire department.  On Dec. 27, 1885, he married Ell GOLDSBOROUGH, daughter of Dr. Levi GOLDSBOROUGH (see page 161).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 833

 

Surnames:  CAREY, DAY, KENYON, WYMAN

 

Ebenezer CAREY, born in Oxford, Maine, Jan. 25, 1806, went at the age of eighteen to reside in Massachusetts, and married., in Waltham, Susan WYMAN, Jan. 1, 1834, who was born Nov. 8, 1814.  Mr. CAREY was a carpenter and settled in Waltham, where he followed his trade until 1843, when he came with his family to Napoli, arriving July 18th, and there followed carpentering and building.  Some years later he bought a farm, and two years before his death he rented it and had a home with his son, Charles H. CAREY, in New Albion, where he died July 19, 1886.  He was a natural mathematician.

Children:

Suel H. CAREY, born in Massachusetts, enlisted in the Union army, and died in the hospital at Alexandria, Feb. 11, 1862.

George CAREY, born in Napoli, Feb. 27, 1843, enlisted in Aug. 1863, in Co. C, 13th N.Y.H.A., and served to the close of the war, resumed farming, married on Jan. 1, 1868 Melissa M., daughter of Addison and Mary KENYON, and settled on the homestead of her grandfather, Jeremiah KENYON; Adelaide, born in Napoli in March 1845, died in 1876.

Charles H. CAREY was born on April 8, 1848.  On Dec. 31, 1869, Charles H. married Elsie A., daughter of Hudson DAY and granddaughter of Erastus DAY, an early settler of New Albion.  They settled on the homestead of her father.  Children:  Herbert S. of Limestone; Grace A.; and Alice M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 833

 

Surnames:  CARROLL, LUNDERGREN, MOSHER

 

Daniel H. CARROLL, son of John, was born in New Albion, Aug. 1, 1858.  His father was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, immigrated to America about 1845, and is a farmer in the southeast part of this town.  Daniel H., at the age of nineteen, commenced to learn the trade of blacksmith, which he follows, and is also dealing in carriages, sleighs, and agricultural implements.  Mr. MOSHER is connected with him in the carriage and coal trade.  In politics, Mr. CARROLL is a Democrat and was supervisor of New Albion in 1891 and 1892.  On May 1, 1888, he married Catherine LUNDERGREN.  They have one daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 833

 

Surnames:  CHAMPLIN, CHAMPLAIN, MOORE, BOARDMAN, MERRILL, METCALF, WILLIAMS, WYMAN

 

Robert CHAMPLIN, born in Rhode Island on Feb. 20, 1773, married on Newport Island, Mary MOORE.  They resided in Rhode Island on the old CHAMPLAIN farm and finally removed to Westchester County, NY, and thence came to Alexander in 1812.  In 1828 he came to New Albion, settled on lot 33, and died on the place now owned by his son Robert CHAMPLIN on lot 9.  In early manhood he was a sailor on a merchant ship.  His Sons were:

William M. CHAMPLIN

Asa CHAMPLIN, who died at the age of twelve years

Robert CHAMPLIN, Jr., born Feb. 24, 1810

Jesse CHAMPLIN, a carriage maker in East Randolph

George CHAMPLIN, who removed to Wisconsin and died in 1889

Dudley CHAMPLIN, a farmer and mechanic in Salamanca

William M CHAMPLIN, who came from Genesee County a year prior to his brothers and settled near the center of Napoli.

Daughters of Robert CHAMPLIN, Sr.:

Hannah CHAMPLIN married Alanson BOARDMAN, and settled in Napoli.  Mr. BOARDMAN was a blacksmith.  They removed to Wisconsin, and thence to Iowa, where they died.

Mary CHAMPLIN married John MERRILL and settled in Batavia.

Lydia CHAMPLIN married Thomas J. WILLIAMS, first settled in New Albion, and died in Minnesota.

Sarah CHAMPLIN married Erastus WYMAN and resides near Chicago.

Armenia CHAMPLIN married Harvey METCALF, is a widow, and resides on Elm creek in Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 833 and 834

 

Surnames:  CHAMPLIN, DAY, GILLILAND, GLOVER, GODDARD, HANSON

 

Robert CHAMPLIN, Jr., came to New Albion in 1827 and contracted for 150 acres on lot 33 and 50 acres on lot 25 for himself, his mother, and his brother George.  His brother sold out and removed west.  About 1837, he married Ursula GILLILAND and settled on lot 9, where James GODDARD, the first permanent settler in town, located in 1818.  The place then contained 130 acres.  Mr. CHAMPLIN added to it until he had 600 acres.  Children:

William M. CHAMPLIN, born Nov. 10, 1840, married Eva S. HANSON on June 22,1885.  Children were Mary and Leland.

Theodore CHAMPLIN, born Jan. 12, 1842, married Emma DAY on Jan. 1, 1880.  Children were Willie R., Bessie May, Grover C., and Jesse T.

John CHAMPLIN, born Oct. 4, 1844, married Cora GLOVER in Dec. 1882.  Children were Alson and Robert Clayton.

These brothers (William, Theodore, and John) jointly own the homestead of 600 acres, a cheese factory receiving the milk of 400 cows, and give some attention to breeding horses.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 834

 

Surnames:  COOPER, ANDREWS, JEWELL, MERZ

 

Russell A. COOPER, born in Andover, NY on Feb. 6, 1844, was a hardware merchant in Aiken, PA in the fall of 1878.  In 1881 he removed to Cattaraugus and opened a hardware store, which was burned in the fire of Sept. 5, 1888.  He soon resumed business and in Feb. 1889, he sold to J.H. JEWELL & Sons.  On April 23, 1891, he purchased the grocery stock of J. A. ANDREWS.  On Dec 16, 1879, he married Theresa MERZ of Jamestown, and they have one son, Willie R.  Mr. COOPER has served as president of Cattaraugus village two terms and on the Board of Education seven years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 834

 

Surnames:  CROWLEY, MULCAHY

 

Dennis CROWLEY, a native of Ireland, came to America in early manhood, married Ellen MULCAHY in Ellicottville, and since 1851 has resided in Cattaraugus.  When he came here he assisted in building the depot, and was afterward employed as a trackman.  He finally became a baggagemaster, which position he still holds.  Mrs. CROWLEY died on May 22, 1890.  They had fourteen children, of whom a daughter and four sons are living:  Julia, P. E., J. J., T. W., and D. R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 834 & 835

 

Surnames:  DARLING, LEE, ALLEN, ELLIOTT, FREMONT, WHITE

 

John P. DARLING, son of Rufus and Prudy (LEE) DARLING, was born in Berkshire County, Mass. on Feb 25, 1815.  His father was a farmer who settled in Lenox, NY in 1818, and removed thence to Otto in 1824.  He died in 1828, aged forty-seven years.  Mrs. DARLING survived until July of 1873, aged eighty-six years.  She was remarkable as a lady of rare abilities of mind and noble qualities of heart,  John P. DARLING received a common school education.  In the spring of 1831 he became a raftsman on the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.  In the fall he went to Grand Island in the Niagara river and spent most of the winter chopping cord-wood.  He labored for the farmers in Otto a large portion of the time until 1834, when he became a clerk in the store of C. B. ALLEN in Otto village, where he remained until 1838, when he formed a partnership with William F. ELLIOTT and continued in trade until 1848, when he conducted business alone.  In 1851 he established a branch store in the village of Cattaraugus, and in 1853 he removed thither with his entire business.  Here he was in mercantile trade until 1856, when he retired.  In early life he cast his lot with the Whig party and was a subscriber for the New York Tribune from its first issue to the close of his life.  He was intensely “Free Soil”.  In 1856 he took the stump for General Fremont and was ever afterward a staunch Republican.  Mr. DARLING, besides other town offices, was supervisor of Otto in 1845, 1846, and 1847, and of New Albion nine terms between 1855 and 1875.  He was chairman of the board in 1860 and 1861 and at the special session held in March of 1867.  In 1850 he was appointed postmaster and held the office through President Fillmore’s administration.  In 1851 he was elected treasurer of Cattaraugus County and served three years.  In the fall of 1856 he was elected to the State Senate by a majority of 8,000 to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of Hon. Roderick WHITE, who died in the preceding spring.  He was renominated in the succeeding fall and re-elected.  In the spring of 1864 he was appointed State assessor and resigned the position a year after.  Senator DARLING is a conspicuous example of a self-made man.  As a business man he was methodical, cautious, and careful.  He was an indomitable worker.  As a politician he was honorable, a successful organizer, impressed his friends with the feasibility of his plans, and was a natural leader.  Mr. DARLING died on June 17, 1882.  Mrs. DARLING survived until Feb. 15, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 835

 

Surnames:  DAVIS, HORTH, LYON

 

JOSEPH A. DAVIS, born June 1, 1819, was a son of Rev. Eber DAVIS, a preacher of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church and a pioneer on the place now owned by his grandsons, Emory W. DAVIS and Adelbert D. DAVIS.   Joseph A. DAVIS was also a local preacher.  His brother John DAVIS was thirty years a Methodist minister and member of conference.  Joseph A. married Electa LYON on Nov. 29, 1842, and succeeded to the homestead, which has never been out of the possession of the DAVIS family.

Children of Joseph and Electa:

Giles C. DAVIS, born on July 18, 1844

Wilbur F. DAVIS, born on May 10, 1846 and died on June 21, 1849

Wilbur F. DAVIS (2nd) born on Sept. 17, 1850

Emory W. DAVIS, born on Nov. 23, 1854

Adelbert D. DAVIS, born on Jan. 17, 1858

Adella DAVIS (twin of Adelbert), born on Jan. 17, 1858 and died on Sept. 17, 1858

 

ADELBERT D. DAVIS married on June 17, 1879 Ida M. HORTH, who was born on Nov. 2, 1856, a daughter of Alexander HORTH.  He was first a cheese maker, then a farmer four years, a merchant three years, and since a farmer, and has served as inspector of elections four years.  He owns jointly with his brother Emory the DAVIS homestead, which was first settled by his grandfather, Capt. Joseph DAVIS, a veteran of the Revolutionary War and also a preacher.  He has two sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 835

 

Surnames:  DAWSON, WIDHOUSE, COLLINS, HERRICK, HILL, HOWE, LITTLE, SANDERS, VINTON

 

James DAWSON, born in Ireland on Feb. 1, 1802, married Dorothy WIDHOUSE, who was born on June 17, 1803.  Their oldest son was born in Ireland about 1825.  In 1828 he came to America in a sailing vessel.  They landed in Quebec, remained in Canada two or three years, removed to Boston, Mass., and thence to Windsor, VT.  They came with teams to Albany or Troy and thence by the Erie canal to Buffalo and finally to New Albion, where they arrived on Oct. 19, 1841, settling on the place now occupied by P. HERRICK, where he cleared 100 acres.  He early became a citizen of the United States, joined the Whig party, and became a staunch Republican.  In June of 1862, he enlisted in the army for two years.  He died on Dec. 12, 1864, and Mrs. DAWSON on Dec. 14, 1877.

Children of James and Dorothy DAWSON:

Henry DAWSON, a wagon maker in Gowanda

James DAWSON, who married Ellen HILL, of Gowanda, and was killed by the cars in Dunkirk on Dec 27, 1869.

Alexander E. DAWSON

Rose A. DAWSON (Mrs. Ralph HOWE)

Mary J. DAWSON (Mrs. Silas VINTON) of Gowanda.

 

Alexander E. DAWSON, born in Boston on July 10, 1835, came to New Albion with his parents in 1841.  On March 28, 1861, he married M. Caroline LITTLE and began life as a mechanic.  On Sept. 2, 1864, he enlisted in Co. D, 9th NY Cav., and was discharged on June 1, 1865.  He is a musician and a teacher.

Children:  Eva (Mrs. W. COLLINS); James Albert, who married Winnie SANDERS; Charles A.; and Henry E. DAWSON

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 835 & 836

 

Surnames:  DAY, GUY, BIGELOW, JACKSON, PHILLIPS, YOUNG

 

Abraham DAY was born in Massachusetts in 1800.  His father, himself, and younger brother enlisted as musicians in the Seminole war.  He was a celebrated drummer and was promoted to drum-major,  At the close of the war he went home with General JACKSON as his errand-boy and remained with him until the expiration of his term of enlistment.  He married Joanna, daughter of Robert GUY, in Broome County, NY, and in June of 1822, came to New Albion and settled on the homestead of Horace C. YOUNG, where he was a farmer until about 1830, when he received the appointment of keeper of the light-house at Dunkirk from General JACKSON, which position he held until 1841.  He resigned and returned to New Albion and again engaged in farming.  He was commissioner of highways several years and located many of the roads in his town.  He owned a farm of 170 acres.  Mrs. DAY died on May 4, 1876.

Children of Abraham and Joanna DAY:

Laura A. DAY (deceased)

Abraham R. DAY, who married Serepta PHILLIPS, and died in 1890, leaving a widow and two sons, who reside on the homestead.

Clarendon Guy DAY, born on Nov. 6, 1832 in Dunkirk, settled on July 10, 1870 on the DAY homestead, which he manages.

Thomas DAY (deceased)

Jefferson D. DAY

Emeline J. DAY (Mrs. Francis BIGELOW), deceased

Lottie M. DAY, a teacher

 

Clarendon Guy DAY resides in the village of New Albion.  He is a Democrat and has been assessor and the nominee of his party for supervisor.  He has one daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 836

 

Surnames:  DAY, LEE, LOOMIS, JONES

 

Erastus DAY, son of Noah and Ann (LOOMIS) DAY, was born on March 4, 1787, married Marion LEE in 1812, and was an early settler and farmer of New Albion.  He was a lineal descendant of John DAY, of Hartford, Conn., whose father, Robert DAY, came to America in April of 1634.  He first settled in Newtown (now Cambridge), Mass.  In 1639 he was a resident of Hartford, Conn. and was one of the first settlers of that place.  The children of Erastus DAY:  Asahel, born on June 4, 1813; Eli, born on May 10, 1815; Hudson, born on Aug. 28, 1816; Wealthy, born on July 11, 1818; Orrin, born on Jan. 10, 1821 and Elias, born on July 18, 1827

 

Orrin DAY married Brooksanna JONES of Cattaraugus in 1845.  She was born in Milford, NY on Dec. 16, 1825.  Her father, Moses J. JONES, removed from Otsego County and settled in New Albion in Feb. of 1835.  Orrin DAY was a farmer and teamster, and succeeded his father (Erastus DAY) on the homestead, where he died in 1868.

Children of Orrin and Brooksanna DAY:

Alvin C. DAY, born April 18, 1848 (deceased)

Frances E. DAY, born on Aug. 3, 1951

Estella DAY (twin of Rosella), born on Sept. 17, 1857.  Estella married John MEROW of Little Valley.

Rosella DAY (twin of Estella), born on Sept. 17, 1857.  Rosella died in January of 1878.

Beorge B. DAY, born Aug. 20, 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 836

 

Surnames:  DUNN, STORUM, WELCH

 

Richard C. DUNN, son of John and Mary (WELCH) DUNN, was born in Lyndon on Sept. 3, 1856, was educated in the common schools and Franklinville Academy, and commenced his business life in Lyndon as a cheese maker.  A year later, he purchased and conducted two factories in Cuba, NY, and followed the business in all about ten years,  He came to Cattaraugus in the spring of 1890 and has since conducted the excellent Cattaraugus House, connected with which is a good livery owned and managed by M. S. STORUM.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 836

 

Surnames:  EASTON, TATTERSON, CHAPMAN

 

John EASTON, whose father came from England, was born in or near the city of New York.  Between the ages of twelve and twenty-six, he followed the seas as a sailor, attaining the position of mate.  He married Sarah TATTERSON on Long Island, and in 1830 came to Leon from Middlebury, NY, settling there where his grandson, Richard EASTON, now lives, and where he died aged eighty-four years.

 

John’s youngest son, Erasmus EASTON, was born in Middlebury on Dec. 24, 1822.  Erasmus chopped, logged, and cleared land, and in 1842 married Olive CHAPMAN.  He resided on the homestead a year, and for five years has resided on a farm near the northwest corner of New Albion.  Mrs. EASTON died on Dec. 9, 1889, aged seventy-nine.  Children of Erasmus and Olive EASTON: Marvin, Polly, Mary, Elizabeth, Lucretia, Albert, William, and Sarah.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 836 & 837

 

Surnames:  ELLIS, COLE

 

William N. ELLIS was born at Cherry Creek, NY, on Jan. 14, 1843.  He enlisted in Co. K, 9th NY Cav. on Oct. 14, 1861, and re-enlisted in the same organization on Jan. 2, 1864, being always with his company except when he was in the hospital for a sabre wound on his head and a shot through his right arm, both received at the battle of Brandy Station, VA on Aug. 1, 1863.  He was discharged on July 17, 1865, and now receives a pension.  On Dec. 5, 1866, he married Phebe A. COLE, of Cattaraugus, who was born in Hamburg, Erie County, on June 30, 1845.  Children of William and Phebe ELLIS:  William H. and Charles E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 837

 

Surname:  EPLEY

 

William EPLEY, of German ancestry, was born in Steuben County on July 12, 1828, and reared in Livingston County.  At the age of twenty-one he went to Rochester, where he was a clerk in several wholesale houses about ten years.  He was in Michigan until 1864, when he enlisted in the 12th Mich. Vet. Inf. Vols., and was discharged on Sept. 31, 1865.  He was first sent to Camp Blair at Jackson, Mich., and two hours after his arrival was detailed as a clerk at the headquarters of the colonel, where he was retained four or five months.  He then joined his regiment in Arkansas and continued a clerk until he was discharged.  In 1880 he settled in Cattaraugus, where he has a merchant tailoring business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 837

 

Surnames:  FARRAR, JOHNSON, HAWKINS

 

T. J. FARRAR, son of G. W. FARRAR, was born in Machias July 26, 1844, was raised a farmer, learned the carpenter's trade, and was several years a dry goods clerk.  On Jan 1, 1874 he became a partner with S. L. and E. L. JOHNSON under the firm name of JOHNSON and FARRAR.  Three years later Mr. FARRAR established an insurance business known as the Cattaraugus Insurance Agency.  In April 1890 he sold this, and has since been engaged in the sale of real estate, in which he has had large transactions, mainly in Buffalo.  On March 3, 1874, he married Maria HAWKINS, of Buffalo; they have a son, Clarence B. FARRAR, born Nov 27, 1874.  The family has recently removed to Buffalo.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 837

 

Surnames:  GARLOCK, HOLMES, KEELER, LEAVENWORTH, SMITH

 

W. W. GARLOCK, son of William M. and Eliza A. (SMITH) GARLOCK, was born in East Otto on Sept. 4, 1860.  His paternal grandparents were natives of Germany.  His father was born in America and early learned the trade of shoemaking.  He served in the late war and after his discharge, went to Michigan, where he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes.  His maternal ancestor, Amasa SMITH, was a pioneer of Mansfield, where he settled in 1828.  His grandfather, Welcome SMITH, was born in Marcellus and his grandmother was the sister of the pioneer doctor and county judge, Dr. Alson LEAVENWORTH.  W. W. GARLOCK, whose mother died when he was ten years old, had a home with his grandmother, who had married her second husband, Rev. Clark HOLMES, of Cattaraugus.  In Feb. of 1878, he opened a photographic studio in the village.  He holds a certificate from the Photographers Association of America conferring upon him the title of professional photographer.  On Aug. 12, 1879, he married Carrie A., daughter of F. J. KEELER.  She died on March 12, 1891, and left a daughter, M. Spray, born on June 12, 1886.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 837

 

Surnames:  GOULD, RICH

 

Frank. B. GOULD was educated in the public schools of Dunkirk and in Waterford Academy in Pennsylvania.  He learned the tinner’s trade and in 1872 came to Cattaraugus, where the same year he married Sarah. R., daughter of Danford RICH.  He entered the employ of OAKES & ELLIOTT, where he has since been engaged, having the business charge of the establishment.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 837 & 838

 

Surnames:  GUY, STICKNEY, BARTON, CHASE, DAY, VALAIANT

 

Robert GUY was born of Irish parents in 1774.  He married Laura STICKNEY in Otsego County.  They resided near Ogdensburg, NY at the time of the War of 1812.  They were in Broome County as early as 1816 and removed thence to New Albion in 1821, where they spent the remainder of their lives.  They settled in a log house on lot 33.  Mr. GUY died on June 10, 1851, and Mrs. GUY on March 19, 1856.  He was a Jacksonian Democrat and liberal in his religious views.  He was one of the first to open his house as a tavern.

Children of Robert and Laura (STICKNEY) GUY:

Joanna GUY (Mrs. Abraham DAY)

Timothy P. GUY, who was twice married, settled on the homestead, and left a son, Robert E. GUY

Emily GUY (Mrs. Ira VALAIANT)

Laura GUY

Emily GUY (Mrs. Kimball CHASE), deceased

Almira GUY (Mrs. Hiram BARTON), deceased

Himan GUY, who removed to Iowa and died.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 838

 

Surnames:  HERRICK, BOSSELLER, HORNING, PARMELEE

 

Samuel B. HERRICK, of English descent and of New England parentage, was born on Dec. 8, 1781, married Mary BOSSELLER in Montgomery County, who was born there on Nov. 29, 1782, and first settled in Sennett, NY.  In the spring of 1830, Mrs. HERRICK with her children came to New Albion and settled on thirty acres of lot 12.  Mr. HERRICK was a carpenter and builder and remained in Sennett to complete some work, and joined his family in December following.  He added to the 30 acres 100 more and followed his trade.  Mr. HERRICK died at the age of eighty-two.  Mrs. HERRICK died later at the age of eighty.  Children: Charlotte, Larry, Esther, Jeremiah H., John R., Fanny, Stephen M., George, and Elisha HERRICK.

 

Jeremiah H. HERRICK, was born in Sennett, NY on March 8, 1820, and came to New Albion with the family in 1830.  On Dec 24, 1845, he married Eunice B., daughter of Joshua PARMELEE, a pioneer of Mansfield.  She was born in Spafford, Onondaga County, on July 26, 1822.  They settled on 75 acres adjoining the homestead on lot 4, and finally, by additions, had a farm of 180 acres.  In the fall of 1869 he presented his oldest son the home, on lot 4, and settled where he now resides.  He has been assessor twelve years.

Children of Jeremiah H. and Eunice B. (PARMELEE) HERRICK:

Judson HERRICK

Theodocia HERRICK, died on March 5, 1866

Fred B. HERRICK, who married Eureka HORNING

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 838 & 839

 

Surnames:  HIGBEE, HOPKINS, CHRISTIE, LUCE, NASH, PAYNE

 

William HIGBEE, a native of Connecticut, married Hannah HOPKINS in Turin, NY, where several of his children were born.  About 1827, he removed from Barre, Orleans County, to New Albion and settled on Snyder Hill, where W. V. PAYNE now lives.  He had four sons and three daughters, all of whom, except his youngest son, settled in the neighborhood.  In early life he was a sailor.  He was passionately fond of hunting in his old age, and on one of his excursions he gathered a quantity of Lobelia seeds and tried their medicinal qualities on himself.  After a hearty vomiting exercise he threw the remainder in the fire.  He died aged eighty-five years.

His son Sanford HIGBEE was a preacher and resided on the homestead.

Noah HIGBEE also moved to New Albion about the same time his father came and was a farmer.  He married Harriet LUCE.

 

Jerome L. HIGBEE, son of Noah and Harriet (LUCE) HIGBEE, was born in New Albion on Feb. 16, 1839, and was raised a farmer.  At the age of seventeen he became strongly impressed with a desire to obtain an education.  He attended the schools of Cattaraugus and Gowanda and Fredonia Academy, and entered the preparatory department of Hillsdale College, in Michigan, in the spring of 1860, graduating therefrom as A.B. in 1866.  Three years later he received the honorary degree of A.M.  From the time he commenced his studies, he sustained himself by teaching.  After graduating, he was two years engaged as a teacher.  In the spring of 1869 he commenced the study of law in the office of Col. E. A. NASH at Cattaraugus.  He married Martha, daughter of N. CHRISTIE, and at the solicitation of his wife and her father he became a merchant under the firm name of CHRISTIE & HIGBEE.  He was elected school commissioner and served three years.  About 1874 he entered the ministry of the Freewill Baptist Church and was the pastor of the church at Cherry Creek for one year.  He spent the year 1875 in New York as business manager of the Baptist Union and preached there occasionally.  In 1876-77 he was the pastor of the Freewill Baptist Church at Hamlet, Chautauqua County.  At the same time, he taught a select school as he had at Cherry Creek.  He also continued his mercantile business, and for about three years he had an interest in an additional store in Randolph and lived there.  From Hamlet he returned to Cattaraugus, where he attended to his mercantile business until 1884.  Besides constructing his own house, he has erected in his village twelve or fifteen other buildings.  In politics he is a Prohibitionist, and in 1891 was the nominee of his party in his district for State senator.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 839

 

Surnames:  HILL, MOREY, DREW, BOARDMAN, JOHNSON, KINNICUTT

 

Levi HILL came to Napoli from Chenango County at a very early day.  He cleared a farm and set out one of the first orchards in that town, and resided there as late as 1833, when he removed to New Albion, where he was a farmer, and where he died in 1864.  He married Philena MOREY.  Late in his life, his wife died, and he married widow Ruth A. DREW.

Children of Levi and Philena (MOREY) HILL:

Gardner, Alexander, Clark, Eunice, Clarissa, Jerome, and Sarah HILL

 

Gardner HILL, was born in Chenango County on Dec. 12, 1821. On Oct. 24, 1845 he married Matilda A., daughter of John A. KINNICUTT, and settled in New Albion as a farmer.  He died on March 1, 1854.

Children of Gardner and Matilda A. (KINNICUTT) HILL:

Leroy N. HILL, born Dec 11, 1846, married Martha J. JOHNSON of Conewango, was a farmer until Nov. of 1884, and since then has conducted a general store in the village of New Albion.

Lucius D. HILL, born on March 25, 1849, a merchant of Conewango.

Ellen S. HILL, born on May 2, 1852, married Thomas V. BOARDMAN, deceased.

Charles G. HILL, born on July 24, 1854

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 839

 

Surnames:  HINMAN, BULLIS, BEACH, DEWEY, EDMUNDS, HOYT, LEAVENWORTH, RICE, RICH

 

Simeon B. HINMAN, born in Rutland VT on Aug. 11, 1800, came to East Otto in 1824.  Mr. HINMAN married, in Aurora, NY on Dec. 6, 1826, Keziah BULLIS, who was born in Bennington, VT on June 24, 1806, a daughter of Benjamin and Rachel (HOYT) BULLIS.  Mr. BULLIS was a soldier in the War of 1812.  Mr. HINMAN, with the aid of his industrious sons, paid for his farm, built good buildings, and accumulated a competency.  He was a prominent citizen, and both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. HINMAN died on March 28, 1890.  His widow resides in Otto village.

Simeon B. and Keziah (BULLIS) HINMAN had eight children:

Adaline HINMAN (Mrs. Oscar F. BEACH) of East Otto

Lucy HINMAN, who died at age twenty-four

Hoyt W. HINMAN

Lyman H. HINMAN, resides in Marshalltown, Iowa

Millard F. HINMAN, of East Otto

Benjamin B. HINMAN, of Hinsdale

Rachel J. HINMAN, widow of Hiram DEWEY, resides with her mother (Keziah) in Otto village.

Marshall L. HINMAN, ex-mayor of Dunkirk, and secretary and treasurer of the Brooks Locomotive Works.

 

Hoyt W. HINMAN, born in East Otto on Feb. 5, 1831, began life laboring by the month for his neighbor, E. A. RICE.  Three years later he located on a farm of 200 acres in Iowa, which he owned five years, when he exchanged it for a farm of 150 acres in Otto, which he still owns.  In the fall of 1869 he removed to Cattaraugus village, and the past eighteen years has been an extensive buyer of butter and cheese.  He purchased the Dr. LEAVENWORTH estate of five acres and has given the house and one acre to his only child, Hattie (Mrs. C. R. RICH).  He is a large stockholder and a director of the Bank of Cattaraugus, the largest stockholder and president of the TEN EYCK Edge Tool Company, and owns several village lots.  Mr. HINMAN is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a singer in the choir.  On Oct. 23, 1856, he married Sylvania F., daughter of Salem EDMUNDS, of East Otto, a native of Massachusetts.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 839

 

Surnames:  HORTH, KILBY

 

Hadley S. HORTH, son of Benjamin HORTH, a pioneer of New Albion, was born on the farm where his father settled, on Oct. 11, 1845.  He enlisted in the 72d N. Y. Vols. on Oct. 18, 1861, and re-enlisted as a veteran in Dec. of 1863, serving nearly four years.  The first two years he was always on duty.  Afterward his health became much impaired and for total disability he was sent to the general hospital and thence to his home.  Returning to his regiment, he was made a prisoner in 1865 and paroled three days later.  On Nov. 1, 1868, he married Maggie, daughter of James KILBY, Sr.  Children of Hadley and Maggie HORTH:  Ernest, Louis, and Hattie HORTH.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 840

 

Surnames:  INGERSOLL, EASTON, BROWN

 

Dorus INGERSOLL, a native of Washington County, was born in 1801.  In 1823 he removed from Middlebury, NY, and subsequently to Leon.  He was a prominent pioneer and held several town offices, being justice of the peace many years.  He married Sarah EASTON, of Middlebury, and had five sons and five daughters.  Mr. INGERSOLL died in 1881, and Mrs. INGERSOLL in 1866.  Their son, Denzil INGERSOLL, was born in 1843, married Jennette BROWN of Boston, Erie County, in 1866, who was born there in 1847, and settled on the homestead in Leon.  In the fall of 1875 they removed to their present home in New Albion.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 840

 

Surnames:  JEWELL, BENSON, BURRELL, DENTON, HENDERSON, MORRIS, PRATT, RUSSELL, WEBSTER

 

THOMAS JEWELL, the progenitor of a numerous race in America was probably born in England about 1600.  The name was written as JULE, JOYELL, JEWEL, and then JEWELL.  The first authentic account of him is in the early part of 1639, and shows that he then had a wife and one child.  He received a grant of land the 24th day of the 2d month, 1639, of four acres for three heads – 12 acres – upon the covenant of three shillings per acre, located on the “Mount” near Boston, Mass.  The “Mount” was Mt. Woolaston, first settled in 1625 and incorporated as Braintree in 1640.  He was a miller.  His sons were Thomas, Joseph, and Nathaniel. 

 

Joseph, born April 24, 1642, first lived in Charlestown (Mass.) and conducted the ferry between that place and Boston, and his son Joseph [Jr.] assisted him.  When about 50 years old, he removed to Stow and there owned a grist-mill, which for years (as late as 1815 at least) went by the name of “JEWELL’s mill”.  This old mill-site was as late as 1860 occupied by a carpet factory and the stream is the dividing line between Sudbury and Stow.  He died at about the age of 94.  His second wife, Isabel, lived to be over 103.

 

Their son Joseph JEWELL [Jr.], born in June, 1673, was married in Boston to Mary MORRIS by Rev. Cotton MATHER, Sept. 14, 1704, and died in Dudley, Mass. in 1766.

 

Their son Nathaniel JEWELL, married Elizabeth WEBSTER, March 20, 1739, and died in Dudley, Mass. in 1782.

 

The son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth, John Morris JEWELL, was born Sept. 4, 1739, married Sarah PRATT, and died in Cherry Valley, NY on March 20, 1828.  He raised quite a family.

[Ed. NOTE:  dob was Sept 24, 1739 per “Jewell Register” pub. 1860]

 

The son of John and Sarah, Jared JEWELL, was born March 8, 1780, married Esther BURRELL, and died on Dec. 26, 1820.

 

The sons of Jared and Esther JEWELL:

James, Jonathan, Osborn, and Jared (who died in infancy)

 

James JEWELL (of Jared) came to New Albion from Westford, NY about 1831.  On Jan. 20, 1836 he married Hannah GUY.

 

Jonathan JEWELL (of Jared) married Amanda DENTON in Otsego County, NY on Oct. 27, 1825.  In 1832 he came to New Albion and located a farm on Lot 53.  He died on April 13, 1887; Amanda died on Feb. 18, 1886.

 

Children of Jonathan and Amanda JEWELL:

John D. JEWELL was born Dec. 7, 1829 and died Dec. 15, 1854 in Auburn, NY, where he was keeper in the State's prison.

Hannah JEWELL was born in 1832 and died in 1834.

James H. JEWELL was born Sept. 23, 1836 [in New Albion, NY].  He received an education in the common schools and Randolph Academy.  In June 1854, he married Jane HENDERSON, of Otisco, NY.  James began life as a live stock buyer and farmer, which business he continued several years.  Since 1873 he has been an extensive dealer in cheese and is also the senior member of the firm J.H. Jewell & Sons, of Cattaraugus, dealers in hardware and crockery.  Mr. JEWELL is a Democrat, and has been assessor nine years and was postmaster of Cattaraugus through Cleveland's first administration.

 

Children of James H. and Jane JEWELL:

Frank D. JEWELL

William N. JEWELL

 

Osborn JEWELL (of Jared) was born Feb. 25, 1810, married Electa RUSSELL on Sept. 24, 1849, and was a merchant in Buffalo. 

Their son John R. JEWELL, was born in Buffalo, married Harriet E. BENSON, daughter of George BENSON, in New Albion, and has spent his life as a seaman.  He has passed through all the grades from the cook's helper to master, and still holds an American and British shipmaster’s certificate.

 

[NOTE:  Information herein is a direct-line of ancestors of Jared and Esther JEWELL and their sons – James, Jonathan, and Osborn JEWELL.  Anyone researching the JEWELL ancestry will find a wealth of information in “The JEWELL Register”, published in 1860 by Pliny JEWELL and Rev. Joel JEWELL.  This book attempted to identify all descendants of Thomas JEWELL (ca 1600), and includes about 2000 family members.  As “The JEWELL Register” is now about 139 years out of date, a number of JEWELL descendants are contributing information to update our lineage.  Any JEWELL information will be greatly appreciated. -- Arthur J. Burch -- Cincinnati, OH

 

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JEWELL Family of Cattaraugus County

Bio from personal database.

 

Surnames:  JEWELL, BROWN, HALL, HENDERSON, McWHORTER, MOORE, PEPPERDINE, SWANK, TULLER

 

James H. JEWELL was born Sept. 23, 1836 in New Albion, NY.  He married Jane M. HENDERSON in June of 1854.  James died in 1909 in Cattaraugus Co.  Jane died in 1915, also in Cattaraugus, Co.  They had four children:

 

Frank D. JEWELL was born in Aug. of 1854 in New Albion, NY.  Frank married Anna D. MOORE abt 1880 in New Albion.  Frank died in 1920 in Cattaraugus Co.  Anna died here in 1905.  They had five children

 

William N. JEWELL was born on Nov. 24th, 1857 at Otisco, Onondaga Co., NY.  He married Capitola McWHORTER, who was born in 1860 in Cattaraugus Co.  She died here in 1895, at age 35.  For over fifty years William lived in Cattaraugus, being associated with his father (James) and brother (Frank) in the hardware business.  Later he became a jeweler, which profession he followed both in Cattaraugus and in Rimersburg, PA until illness forced his retirement.  William died in Rimersburg, on Jan. 29, 1936, and is buried at Liberty Park Cemetery in Cattaraugus.  [NOTE: Information indicates a daughter, Alice JEWELL, to have married Merle PEPPERDINE in Cattaraugus Co.]

 

Alice A. JEWELL was born in 1862 in Cattaraugus Co. and died here in 1880 (age 18).  She is said to have married Maurice TULLER, but we have no further information.

 

Arthur R. JEWELL was born in 1874 in Cattaraugus Co. and died there in 1887, at the age of 13.

 

Children of Frank D. and Anna D. JEWELL (all of Cattaraugus Co.):

Harry JEWELL was born in 1880 and died in 1888

Jennie JEWELL was born (and died) in 1884

Mercy A. JEWELL was born in Dec. of 1884, married Olin HALL, and died in 1950.

Helen Vivian JEWELL was born in Oct. of 1892, married W. Leone BROWN, and died on Feb. 9. 1952.  W. Leone and Helen have two children (still living).  More information regarding the heritage of W. Leone BROWN is posted elsewhere in the Cattaraugus BIOS.

Homer W. JEWELL was born in 1886, married Victoria SWANK, and died in 1944, in Nevada.

 

[NOTE:  Information provided through the combined efforts of Arthur J. Burch and Wende Butler Brock.

Persons requiring further information, or wishing to provide additional details regarding this family, may contact either of us.]

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 840 & 841

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, HAMILTON, JEWELL, ELLIOTT, PLUMB

 

Salmon L. JOHNSON was born in Cortland (then Homer) N. Y. April 6, 1818.  In 1824 his parents removed to Fredonia, in 1825 to Ellicottville, and in 1826 to Ashford, where his father practiced his profession as a physician until 1846, when he removed to Otto and died there in 1870.  S. L. became a clerk at the age of eighteen.  He received an academic education and taught a district school one winter (1840-41).  In 1841 he became a partner of his uncle, David B. JEWELL, as a general merchant in Ashford.  In 1844 this partnership dissolved and in 1845 he became a partner in a like business in Otto with the late William F. ELLIOTT.  In 1851 this firm established an additional store in Cattaraugus, and shipped their first goods from Dunkirk on a construction train before the railroad was formally opened.  There were then only four small framed houses within the present incorporation of Cattaraugus village.  In religion he is a Presbyterian, but is a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church.  In politics he is a staunch Republican.  He was influential in establishing the postoffice at Cattaraugus in 1851 and was its first postmaster, serving as such about fifteen years.  He was three terms justice of the peace, and it was at his suggestion that Mr. PLUMB decided to insert in all his deeds conveying his lands in Cattaraugus village the clause forever prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors on the premises conveyed.  Several years afterward a petition was circulated praying Mr. PLUMB to rescind this prohibitory article and Mr. JOHNSON was the only one who refused to sign it.  May 12,1861, he married Lucy E., daughter of Zane A. HAMILTON, who was born Aug. 5, 1828.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 841

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, BUGBEE, HOWE, BENEDICT, RICH

 

Elisha L. JOHNSON was born in Ellicottville, May 10, 1828.  His father, Elisha JOHNSON, was a physician of the old school and a graduate of Geneva Medical College.  The son received his education in common schools and in Fredonia Academy.  In 1845 he began to learn the moulder's trade at Fredonia and alternately pursued his studies in the academy.  In 1850 he was a journeyman moulder in Gowanda, and in 1851 in Buffalo.  In the spring of 1852 he entered the store of his brother in Cattaraugus as a clerk.  In 1856 or 1857 the partnership of S. L. & E. L. JOHNSON was formed for the sale of general merchandise, which continued until the great fire.  In 1866 the firm became the joint owners with O. W. HOWE of the Cattaraugus mills, of which, in 1868, the JOHNSON’s became sole owners, and which E. L. has since conducted.  Mr. JOHNSON has served as town clerk several years.  He married, first, Malvina BUGBEE, of Gowanda, who was the mother of both his children:  Mary (Mrs. S. J. BENEDICT) and Grace B. (Mrs. Charles J. RICH, Jr.).  Mrs. JOHNSON died in Oct., 1886, and in June, 1889, he married Mrs. Emily, widow of Rev. L. H. BUGBEE, D. D.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 841 & 842

 

Surnames:  JONES, FRASIER, SMITH, BOSWORTH

 

Melzar JONES, born in Washington, Vt., Jan. 18, 1807, came to Candor, N. Y., in 1813, where his father, John JONES, was a pioneer.  He was a manufacturer of pine lumber at the age of twenty-one, and in 1838 he settled on a farm of 53 acres on lot 5 in New Albion.  About 1864, on account of failing health, he removed to Cattaraugus village.  He assisted in building the school building and the Methodist Episcopal church, and was present and helped raise the first frame building and sat on the first jury at a justice court.  He was elected a justice of the peace, but refused to accept the office; he has served as assessor seven years.  In Sept., 1826, he married Tabitha JONES, who was born March 29, 1807, and died March 23, 1875.  Children: Hiram A., Chauncey M., Colby, Ansel M., and Melzar B.  The latter was born on the homestead Oct. 1, 1841.  He finished his education at Hillsdale College in Michigan, and in 1863 took a commercial course in the office of the president of Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Buffalo.  He then took charge of the theoretical department of the institution and was next a merchant in Ellicottville with W. A. BOSWORTH.  In Aug., 1864, he enlisted in the army and served five months.  He then resumed teaching.  Feb. 22, 1865 he married Jennie A. FRASIER, of Ellicottville, and settled on the homestead.  Ten years later he came to the village of Cattaraugus and is now the proprietor of the Cattaraugus Marble Works.  He has two sons and two daughters.  The daughters are Emma M. (Mrs. Charles SMITH) and Jessie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 842

 

Surnames:  KINNICUTT, CHAPEL, HORTH, ROPPS

 

The KINNICUTT family in America is of Scotch origin and is descended from Roger KINNICUTT, who early emigrated to Rhode Island.  John Anson KINNICUTT, born in Pittstown, R. I., in 1800 came from Livingston county, N. Y., to New Albion on Jan. 12, 1821, and brought his wife, Sophronia CHAPEL, and their child to his shanty on lot 18.  He was prominent in the early settlement of Little Valley and in the town of New Albion.  At the organization of this town he was elected its clerk and held the office seventeen years.  He was also justice of the peace in Little Valley and in New Albion forty years.  He had five sons and five daughters.  Their son, John Albertus KINNICUTT, was born in Jan., 1828, and was elected supervisor in 1864, the last year of the civil war, when the amounts levied in the county reached hundreds of thousands.  The board held six sessions during that year.  He married, in 1851, Helen, daughter of Benjamin HORTH, who was the mother of his sons, Anson C., Bion P. (died aged thirty-three), and Robert A.  In 1874 Mr. KINNICUTT married Nellie ROPPS, of East Randolph;  Children: Norman N. and Nora A. (twins).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 842

 

Surnames:  LAMB, VARNUM, BARNARD, MANNING

 

Jehiel LAMB, son of David, was born in Vermont, March 3, 1787, married Lois VARNUM, Jan. 1, 1810, who was born Jan. 2, 1789, and settled in Warrensburg, N. Y.  In 1829 they came to Otto with two yoke of oxen and a heavy wagon followed by their single cow, making the journey in twenty-one days.  They settled in "North Otto."  He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was class-leader and superintendent of the Sunday school.  About 1836 he sold his improvements and removed to Mansfield, where he died Jan. 30, 1870.  Mrs. LAMB died Jan. 12, 1856.  They had nine children.  Their youngest son, Bolivar R. LAMB, was born July 6, 1830 and has always been a farmer.  Oct. 17, 1853, he married Mary E. BARNARD, of New Albion, and purchased the homestead of Warren BARNARD, his wife's father, where she was born Feb. 20, 1834, and where they still reside.  He is in sympathy with the Methodists and a worker in the Sunday school.  He served as supervisor in 1866 and 1871.  He has one daughter, Effie M., born June 6, 1865, the wife of Rev. W. W. MANNING.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 842

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, FLYNN, WEED, BLOOD

 

Earl M. LEWIS, son of George and Mary J. (FLYNN) LEWIS, was born in Freedom (q. v.).  He was a clerk in the store of E. W. WEED & Co., of Yorkshire Center, and is now engaged with H. F. BLOOD in Cattaraugus.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a teacher in the Sabbath school.   His maternal grandfather, Rev. William H. FLYNN, was a clergyman of the Freewill Baptist church about thirty years. When he retired from active work as a preacher he settled in Cattaraugus, where he spent about twenty years.  He now resides at Yorkshire Center with his daughter, Mrs. LEWIS, widow of George LEWIS.  He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding in Feb., 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 842 & 843

 

Surnames:  MALTBIE, BROWN, ROSE, GRANT

 

Lucius H. MALTBIE, born in Weedsport, N. Y., in Jan., 1828, lost his father at the age of five years, and his mother and stepfather, Mr. ROSE, settled in Otto about 1837, where Lucius H. learned the trade of tailor of his older brother.  In 1851 he came to Cattaraugus, built a shop of boards, and began business as a merchant tailor.  About 1878 he changed to groceries.  In 1881 he added a line of drugs and medicines.  He was appointed postmaster under General GRANT and held the position seven years.  He has served as town clerk.  In Oct., 1856, he married Kerrella, daughter of Charles BROWN, of Forestville.  She died March 29, 1888.  Children of Lucius and Kerrella MALTBIE:  Ralph H., Burt L., and Bertha A. MALTBIE

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 843

 

Surnames:  MANLEY, FRENCH, McDUFFIE, VOSBURGH, WOODWARD

 

Nathaniel MANLEY, son of Jesse and Betsey (FRENCH) MANLEY, was born in Dummerston, Vt., June 29, 1817.  June 22, 1832, his father and family arrived Mansfield and were fourteen days making the journey.  Mr. MANLEY was a man of good education, had taught school, and had served as selectman in Vermont.  He died in 1862 and Mrs. MANLEY in 1849.  Nathaniel MANLEY, on Dec. 4, 1842, married Mary VOSBURGH, of Schuyler, N. Y., and succeeded his father on the homestead.  He has been for many years an extensive buyer of butter and cheese.  He was first a Whig and afterward a Republican.  Mrs. MANLEY died April 26, 1887.  Children of Nathaniel and Mary MANLEY:  Martin H., Wilber J., Emmett F., and Jennie MANLEY (married Frank WOODWARD).

 

Wilber J. MANLEY, born March 9, 1847, was educated in the common schools, in Jamestown Union School, Randolph Academy, and Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College in Buffalo.  On April 27, 1871, he married Henrietta, daughter of Angus McDUFFIE, of Otto.  In 1870 he began buying butter and cheese, which business he has since followed, except the years 1882, 1883, and 1884, when he pursued farming.  In politics he is a Republican, and he held the office of supervisor of New Albion in 1878 and 1879, has served three terms as a member of the school board, and has been president of the village.  Children:  Robert E. and Roscoe.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 843

 

Surnames:  MOENCH, DIETRICH, GREEN, WEBSTER, AGLE

 

Christopher MOENCH, son of Christian, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, June 22, 1835, and was apprenticed to the trade of tanning from 1849 until 1853.  He then came to America and found employment at his trade in Versailles with Mr. GREEN.  He was next a journeyman in the employ of Walter WEBSTER, of Gowanda, until Sept., 1861, when he bought out his employer and formed a co-partnership with F. AGLE, which continued under the firm name of C. MOENCH & AGLE till May, 1865, when Mr. MOENCH sold his interest to his partner and purchased the Cattaraugus tannery.  In October following he organized the company of C. MOENCH & Co., which continued until 1880.  He conducted the business alone until July 1, 1889, when the present firm of C. MOENCH & Son was formed.  At the organization of the Bank of Cattaraugus he was elected vice-president, which position he has since held.  He has served several years as a member of the school board.  June 29, 1865, he married Caroline DIETRICH, of Hamburg, Erie county.  Children:  Henry L., Amelia L., Carrie A., Hattie F., George E., Dora C., Alice M., and Harmon F. MOENCH

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 843 & 844

 

Surnames:  MOSHER, POTTER, SIBLEY, ELLIS, PARMELEE, BABCOCK, MILK, LOWE, De NIKE, CARROLL, MURDOCK

 

John MOSHER, son of John, was born in Hoosick, N. Y., married Eliza POTTER, and settled in Middlebury, N, Y.  In the Spring of 1827, he removed to New Albion and settled where his youngest son, Reuben H. MOSHER, lived.  He took an article for 300 acres, which is all in the hands of his sons and grandsons.  He was a prominent and influential citizen and held several town offices.  He was supervisor in 1851 and 1852.  He died Feb. 9, 1874.  Mrs. MOSHER died May 13, 1886.  Children who lived to mature years:

George H. – A farmer, who settled in the northwest corner of New Albion and died there

Mary A MOSHER – Widow of George SIBLEY, of Great Valley

William P. MOSHER – Married Elizabeth ELLIS (died Dec. 10, 1889), settled on the south half of the homestead, and has served as assessor nine years

Cordelia MOSHER – Married J. PARMELEE

Alfred T. MOSHER – Born Sept. 18, 1827, married Ann BABCOCK (died Sept. 5, 1860), settled on a farm adjoining the homestead, where he now resides, and about 1864 married Susan MILK

Reuben H. MOSHER

 

Reuben H. MOSHER was born Aug. 16, 1834, and always lived on the homestead.  He died Jan. 19, 1893.  He married Betsey LOWE.  He was assessor three years. "No man more completely enjoyed the confidence and respect of the people than did Reuben Henry MOSHER.  He was rich in honest thoughts, and his self-respect raised him above receiving or bestowing flattery.  He chose to pass for what he was – a plain, outspoken, and deserving man.  In his business relations his word was a bond, which was sacredly kept.  In his family he was considerate and kind.  His friendship lived through adversity and was highly prized by his neighbors."  Children: Ara E., Frank H., and De Lora J.

 

Ara E. MOSHER, born on the homestead, was first a clerk, and succeeded T. L. De NIKE as a druggist in Cattaraugus in 1879.  He was twice burned out.  He is now manufacturing a horse tonic, which is rapidly gaining in favor.  He is also a dealer in farm implements and is associated with D. H. CARROLL in the sale of carriages and coal.  In Sept., 1879, he married Gertrude E. MURDOCK, of Leon.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 844

 

Surnames:  NORTHRUP, TOWN, BEACH, MALTBIE, HOAG, TEN EYCK

 

Luther Herbert NORTHRUP, son of David and Keziah (TOWN) NORTHRUP, was born in Otto, Feb. 12, 1854.  At the age of ten his father died and his mother removed to the village of Cattaraugus.  He became a clerk in a general store and began his first business enterprise at the age of eighteen as a dealer in ready-made clothing under the firm name of MALTBIE & NORTHRUP, and later as HOAG & NORTHRUP, general merchants.  In 1879 he was a member of the Cerbat Mining Company and spent two years in Arizona.  He has also been a railroad station agent and an insurance agent.  He is a stockholder, secretary, and treasurer of the TEN EYCK Edge Tool Company, and president of the Board of Education and a magistrate of New Albion.  Oct. 8, 1878, he married Addie, daughter of Oscar F. BEACH, of East Otto.  Children:  Anna, Arthur B., and Kate NORTHRUP.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 844

 

Surnames:  OAKES, RICH, CALVER, ELLIOTT, BURGER

 

Frank S. OAKES, son of Nichols and Mary (RICH) OAKES, was born in Arcade, N. Y., Dec. 26, 1844.  Raised a farmer, he was educated in the common schools and had a few terms at a select school at Yorkshire Center, and at the age of twenty began learning the tinner's trade in Otto.  In the spring of 1869 he came to Cattaraugus.  In 1873 he had invented and patented his famous Common-Sense milk pan and then formed a partnership with M. G. ELLIOTT for their manufacture, which continued four years.  He has since been engaged in the manufacture of everything in the line of cheese factory and creamery supplies, the present firm being OAKES & BURGER (S. F. BURGER, q. v.).  Mr. OAKES has been a member of the school board over thirteen years.  Sept. 11, 1872, he married Jennie CALVER and has two sons and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 844

 

Surnames:  OSBORN, HARWICK, EVANS, PEEBLES, GAMPP

 

John W. OSBORN, son of Roderick and Mary A. (HARWICK) OSBORN, was born in Farmersville, Jan. 11, 1851, where his father, a native of Windham, N. Y., settled in early manhood.  He married Mary A. HARWICK, of Centerville, N. Y., and died in Farmersville Center in 1874.  John W. was a cheese maker for twelve years, beginning with one factory and increasing the number to five.  He also bought cheese, which business he has largely pursued the past eight years, but deals as well in butter and farmers' produce.  Under a contract with Joseph R. PEEBLES's Sons Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio, he arranged with J. GAMPP of East Otto, to make a cheese of mammoth size.  This is described on page 556.  May 23, 1873, Mr. OSBORN married Mary L. EVANS.  They have one daughter, Nellie A.OSBORN, born Dec. 6, 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 845

 

Surnames:  PAYNE, LUCE, PHILLIPS, PARK, HIGBEE, HILLEBERT, ALLEN, HERRICK, HORTH

 

Harrison PAYNE, son of Stephen PAYNE, was born in the town of Pompey, N. Y., July 17, 1800, and removed with his father to Barre, N. Y., where he married Abigail, daughter of Joseph LUCE, and settled as a farmer.  In 1829 he removed to Snyder hill in New Albion, where he died Aug. 19, 1867.  He was an old line Whig and afterward a Republican, and was poor-master, highway commissioner, and assessor.  He was early a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  His wife died in May, 1868.  Children of Harrison and Abigail (LUCE) PAYNE: Nathan W.; William V., born May 26, 1826; George A.; Betsey, widow of Smith PHILLIPS, of Randolph; Judson S.; Stephen; Joseph W.; Nelson F.; Harrison , Jr.; and Lorenzo R. PAYNE

 

William V. PAYNE, married Martha PARK, of Bradford county, Pa., and resides on the Sanford HIGBEE farm.  He is a Republican and has five children:  Amanda E. (Mrs. Warren HILLEBERT), of Dayton; Helen Victoria, an artist; Judson H.; Mary A. (Mrs. Burt ALLEN) of Persia; and Ida B.

 

Lorenzo R. PAYNE, born on Snyder hill Feb. 6, 1843, married, Nov. 3, 1867, Lana E., daughter of John HERRICK, and settled on the Erastus HORTH farm.  In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in the 64th N. Y. Vols., and served until June 17, 1864, when he was made prisoner.  He was confined in Andersonville prison until exchanged Dec. 16, 1864.  At the first battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, he received a wound in his left leg from a minie-ball, which confined him in the hospital two months.  Children; Maud D., Lee J., and three who died in infancy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 845

 

Surnames:  PEPPERDINE, BUTLER, WINSHIP, THORPE, RICH, BATES

 

 “Thomas PEPPERDINE, of the Parish of Scopwick, bachelor, and Mary BUTLER, of this parish, spinster, were married in this church, by Banns, with the consent of parents, this sixteenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four, by me, Samuel WINSHIP, curate of Buckington. This marriage was solemnized between us. [Signed] Thomas PEPPERDINE, Mary BUTLER.  In the presence of William BUTLER, Joseph THORPE." – From Parish Register, Buckington, County and Diocese of Lincoln, England.

In 1827 Mr. and Mrs. PEPPERDINE, with their first born son, William, emigrated to America in a sailing vessel and landed in New York after a voyage of thirteen weeks.  They came to Rochester, where Mrs. PEPPERDINE died six weeks later.  Whilst he and his wife were very ill in Rochester he was robbed of quite a quantity of valuable merchandise, consisting of silks and linen.  On his recovery he spent a year in Syracuse, where he married Mary RICH, and in Nov., 1828, they came to New Albion and located on Snyder hill.  He moved twice after he first settled, and died in the south part of the town.  He was a local preacher of the Methodist church.

 

William PEPPERDINE, born in Lincolnshire, England, April 13, 1825, came to America with his parents, and Dec. 29, 1844, married Harriet, daughter of Calvin RICH.  About 1864 he began dealing in live stock, which he followed nearly fifteen years.

 

Melvin N. PEPPERDINE, son of William, was born in Cattaraugus village, Aug. 26, 1852, received a good English education, and Jan. 6, 1876, married Chloe R., daughter of Joseph BATES, and settled where he now resides.  He is also dealing in cattle, sheep, and hogs.  He is a staunch Republican and has been assessor.  Children:  Emma M. and Merle E. PEPPERDINE

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 845 & 846

 

Surnames:  PFLUEGER, SIGMAN, JOHNSON

 

William PFLUEGER, born in Wurttemberg, Germany in 1838, came at the age of fourteen to America in a sailing vessel.  He came to Dunkirk, where one of his uncles resided, and became a farm laborer.  In 1856 he removed to New Albion and in 1858 he married Catherine, daughter of Martin SIGMAN.  He became a citizen of the United States at the age of twenty-one and in Aug., 1862, enlisted in Co. B, 154th N.Y. Vols.  He never missed a roll-call until May 2, 1863, when at the battle of Chancellorsville he received a severe wound in the left leg, which caused a compound fracture of the bone.  He was taken off the field a prisoner and paroled May 16th, when he was transferred to the Union hospital and his wounds dressed for the first time.  He was discharged in Dec. following.  For twenty-five years he then had charge of the saw-mill of S. L. & E. L. JOHNSON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 846

 

Surnames:  PHILLIPS, SMITH, LUCE, KINGSLEY, PAYNE, FREDERICK

 

Henry PHILLIPS, born in Otsego county, Feb. 29, 1788, married Susannah SMITH, in Lenox, N. Y., in Dec., 1820, who, was born there May 20, 1806.  As early as 1832 he settled in New Albion on Snyder hill, where Frank LUCE now lives.  He died in New Albion in the spring of 1860.  Mrs. PHILLIPS died October 18, 1875.  Of their seven sons and three daughters only three sons are now living: George, the oldest, born May 18, 1821; William M., born Aug. 15, 1830; and Andrew J. PHILLIPS

 

Jacob PHILLIPS, son of Henry, was born in Niagara, N. Y., Nov. 4, 1828.  April 1, 1852, he married Harriet, daughter of Rev. Alanson KINGSLEY.  They first located on Snyder hill.  In 1873 they settled in Cattaraugus, where Mr. PHILLIPS died June 8, 1883.  He was a skillful carpenter and builder.

 

John S. PHILLIPS, son of Henry, was born in Barre, N. Y., March 5, 1825.  He labored by the month for a time and Dec, 31, 1855, he married Betsey M., daughter of Harrison PAYNE, and became a farmer on Snyder hill.  He died at East Randolph in June, 1890 leaving to each of his three sons a good farm.  Children: Elmer, Frank E., and Fred M. PHILLIPS

 

Andrew J. PHILLIPS, born in New Albion, April 20, 1836, married, Aug. 8, 1857, Sarah C. FREDERICK, of Johnstown, N. Y., where they first settled.  He enlisted from Johnstown in the fall of 1861 in Co. E, 44th N. Y. Vols., and served until he was discharged on account of illness in 1863.  Since regaining his health he has been a carpenter and painter in Cattaraugus.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 846

 

Surnames:  PRITCHARD, SLOAN, WOOD

 

Asa PRITCHARD, son of Nathan and Olive (SLOAN) PRITCHARD, was born in Lenox, N. Y., Aug. 30, 1815.  His grandfather, a native of England, settled first in Connecticut, where his son Nathan and most of his family were born.  He removed to Georgetown about 1795, where he was one of the earliest pioneers.  He was a farmer and frequently a town officer.  He resided in Georgetown to the close of his long life, aged nearly ninety.  His son Nathan was born Dec. 16, 1785, and with his wife was a pioneer of Lenox, N. Y.  In 1832 he removed to Evans (now Brant), Erie county, where he died in Aug., 1871.  His wife survived until May, 1877.  Their son, Asa PRITCHARD, in 1856 removed to the farm on Snyder hill on which he now resides.  He added to his farm until it contained 342 acres, which he finally sold to his youngest son.  He is a Republican and has served as justice of the peace four years and assessor three years.  June 4, 1840, he married Hannah WOOD, who was born in Eden, Erie county, Feb. 22, 1821.  They celebrated their golden wedding June 4, 1890.  Children: Cyrenius A., of Ellington, Chautauqua county; John W., who died of heart disease May 14, 1889; Amos L., of Leon; William J., of Leon; and Edwin C., who resides on the homestead.  They also have seventeen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 846 & 847

 

Surnames:  RICH, OLMSTEAD, JOHNSON, FORD, PEPPERDINE, FREEBORN, EASTON, SNYDER, BABCOCK, BURTON, ANDREWS, SHERMAN, KINGSLEY, PHILLIPS, GOULD, BUFFINGTON, LAWRENCE, IABEL, PAYNE

 

Calvin RICH was born in Windham, Vt., Nov. 7, 1790, where he married Hannah OLMSTEAD, a native of Ridgefield, Conn., who was born May 21, 1788.  About 1821 he removed to Barre, N. Y., and settled at the hamlet named in honor of his family, "RICH's Corners."  In Dec., 1828, he came with his family to New Albion, where he died Jan. 6, 1862.  Mrs. RICH survived until July 21, 1881.  Mr. RICH was a prominent citizen and almost constantly in some town office.  He was elected supervisor at the second town meeting and held the office six consecutive years.  He and his wife were Methodists and in their large log house were held many church services and quarterly meetings.  He was class-leader and steward during nearly the whole of his residence in town.  He also taught school in early life.  Children of Calvin and Hannah RICH:

Heman RICH, born Sept. 24, 1811, of Cattaraugus

Justus O. RICH, born Aug. 28, 1813, a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church and many years a presiding elder, now residing in Farmington, Minn.

Zalmon RICH, born March 2, 1816, a farmer and a local preacher, died in Dayton, July 28, 1884

Bela RICH (twin of Milla), born Nov. 29, 1818 – Bela served in the 64th N. Y. Vols. and died Sept. 22, 1862, on Cranie Island

Milla RICH (twin of Bela),  married Gile JOHNSON, died March 20, 1858, in Dayton

Lorinda RICH, born April 13, 1821, married Ephraim FORD (deceased)

Harriet RICH, born Aug. 27, 1823, married William PEPPERDINE, and died Feb. 18, 1868

Calvin RICH, born July 12, 1826

Charles J. RICH

 

Charles J. RICH, born May 15, 1829, on the homestead, which he owns and where he has always resided, married, June 5, 1849, Lucy A. FREEBORN, of Cattaraugus, who died Feb. 27, 1891.  Mr. RICH has always been a farmer, but has dealt largely in live stock and farming implements, and was interested with his sons about fourteen years in the hardware business.  He served his town on the Board of Supervisors in 1890.  Children: Herbert C., for fourteen years a merchant in Cattaraugus, now an extensive lumberman in Pennsylvania, and supervisor of New Albion in 1880 and 1881; Burdett A. (see page 402); Clayton R., of Cattaraugus, and a merchant of Gardeau, Pa.; Fred L.; and Milla M. (Mrs. H. B. EASTON).

 

Bela RICH married Almyra, daughter of Horace SNYDER, the pioneer.  He was a farmer and justice of the peace and officiated at several weddings, and was a member, steward, and class-leader of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Children:  Orsavell M., who married A. L. BABCOCK and resides in Cattaraugus; O. Monroe, who died at the age of eighteen; Olin G., proprietor of the Cattaraugus House and a real estate dealer in Buffalo; and Odell C., who married Florilla BURTON and has been ten years a grocer in Cattaraugus.  Olin G. RICH was born in Persia in 1849.  After his father's and an older brother's death he managed the farm which his mother still owns.  At the age of twenty-two he engaged in the oil business in Clarion county, Pa.  He has been proprietor of a hotel the past thirteen years and is now engaged in the sale of real estate in Buffalo.  Nov. 25, 1889, he lost his hotel, the Cattaraugus House, by fire. In Dec., 1871, he married Eva A. ANDREWS, a music teacher of considerable talent.

 

Calvin RICH, son of Calvin, came to New Albion with his parents, and alternately worked on his father's farm and attended the common schools.  He married, March 8, 1846, Malinda SHERMAN, who was born in Barre, Orleans county, May 1, 1826.  They settled on a farm half a mile north of Cattaraugus, and in June, 1856, removed to the farm he now occupies on Snyder hill.  Mr. RICH is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been class-leader about thirty-five years.  His wife,who was the mother of his children, died Sept. 25, 1885.  April 15, 1887, he married Mrs. Harriet (KINGSLEY) PHILLIPS, niece of Rev. Bishop KINGSLEY and daughter of Rev. Alanson KINGSLEY.  His children were Emma (Mrs. J. B. JOHNSON), of Clymer, Chautauqua county, who was born Jan. 9, 1849, and died Sept. 3, 1888; Wallace O., born June 17, 1852; Elton S., born Sept. 26, 1854, a physician in Kennedy, N. Y.; and Truman H., born Nov. 26, 1860.

 

Arad RICH, born Oct. 6, 1797, married, March 21, 1816, Nancy OLMSTEAD.  In Dec., 1828, he and his brother Calvin and their families removed from Barre, N. Y., to New Albion.  He took an active part in town affairs and like his brother held several offices.  He served as justice of the peace from Jan. 1, 1840, until his death Feb. 26, 1869, except one year, and in that time he presided at numerous law suits and weddings.  He and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Mrs. RICH died April 24, 1878.  Children:  Leonard, born Dec. 20, 1816; Almeda, born Jan. 2, 1818; Danford, born Feb. 3, 1821; Joseph, born June 6, 1823, died Aug. 16, 1851; Joshua, born July 3, 1825, died June 5, 1891; Phebe A., born June 22, 1830; Lewis J., born June 4, 1833, died Feb. 2, 1856; Amanda C., born May 20, 1837, died April 24, 1878.

 

Leonard RICH, son of Arad, came to New Albion with his parents in 1828.  He was born in Lake Pleasant, N. Y., Dec. 20, 1816, and has always been a farmer.  Jan. 8, 1837, he married Betsey SHERMAN, who was the mother of five sons.  He began on a farm and in 1866 removed to the village of Cattaraugus.  Mrs. RICH died in Nov., 1850.  In 1857 he married Mrs. Mary BUFFINGTON.

 

Hiram B. RICH, third son of Leonard, was born Aug. 28, 1842, and supplemented his education with a few terms at Randolph Academy.  He taught common school one term, and became a dealer in live stock.  Dec. 21, 1865, he married Mary, daughter of Philip RICH, and has since been both a farmer and live stock dealer.  He has been village trustee and assessor.  Mrs. RICH, the mother of his two daughters, died Aug. 14, 1875.  Sept. 21, 1876, he married Ella, daughter of William PEPPERDINE, and has one son.  Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward and trustee 11 years.

 

William Frank RICH, fourth son of Leonard, was born May 26, 1844.  He taught eight winter terms of school and May 16, 1868, married Ellen M., daughter of Henry and Sally A. LAWRENCE, of New Albion.  Mr. and Mrs. RICH first settled in Persia.  Both are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church.  He produces and buys cream which he ships to Buffalo and Bradford.  Children:  Ida A., born May 25, 1869, married Edward C. IABEL, a partner with his father-in-law; Bertha M., born June 27, 1875; and Grace I., born June 1, 1877.

 

Danford RICH, second son of Arad, settled where Moses SHERMAN now lives, where he resided about twenty-five years.  After another year spent as a farmer he has since been an extensive dealer in butter and eggs.  In April, 1839, he married Mary SHERMAN, who was the mother of all his children, of whom only Ira Orson and Sarah (Mrs. F. D. GOULD), are living.  Mrs. RICH died Aug. 31, 1875.  In Dec., 1875, he married Mrs. Clara A., widow of Dr. Daniel GOULD, of Dunkirk.

 

Charles James RICH, oldest son of James H. and Emma E. (JOHNSON) RICH, was born in Persia, June 15, 1863. Losing his father at the age of two years he had a home with his grandfather, Jesse JOHNSON, of Perrysburg, as did also his mother and infant brother, Hollen W.  Charles J., at seventeen, became a merchant's clerk.  In the spring of 1884 he engaged with Elwood & Co., of Buffalo, as traveling salesman.  In 1887 he formed a partnership with his only brother, Hollen W., under the firm name of RICH Brothers, and opened a general store in Cattaraugus, which was burned Sept. 5, 1889.  They immediately resumed trade and have more than doubled their business.  Feb. 27, 1888, Charles J. RICH married Grace B., youngest daughter of E. L. JOHNSON.  Hollen W. RICH, born in Persia, Aug. 3, 1865, at about the age of eighteen became a clerk in Cattaraugus and later in Jamestown, and in 1887 formed with Charles J. the firm of RICH Brothers. Mr. RICH is serving his third term as town clerk.  Feb. 14, 1886, he married Gertrude, daughter of N. W. PAYNE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 849

 

Surnames:  SANDERS, CRAWFORD, GALLOWAY, DERMONT, WILDER, ACKLEY, JAMES

 

John SANDERS, born in Argyle, Washington county, July 8, 1808, removed with his parents to Hannibal, N. Y., and married there Mary CRAWFORD, Feb. 14, 1833, who was born in Washington county, Jan. 1, 1815.  He came to Otto and settled on a farm of 100 acres, which he purchased of the Holland Land Company.  He was a blacksmith, but after coming to Otto he followed farming entirely, and finally exchanged his place for a large farm near by.  In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, 64th N.Y. Vols., served about a year, and was disabled by rheumatism and discharged; but before his papers reached him he was with his regiment and going into battle on the field of Antietam, where he received a severe gun-shot wound.  He went to the hospital and upon recovery joined his regiment again participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, and others, and was discharged in Oct., 1864.  He died greatly respected. 

Children of John and Mary SANDERS:

John J. SANDERS, who married Mary L. GALLOWAY, of Hannibal, N. Y., has a farm of 334 acres in Otto, and resides in Cattaraugus village

Mary J. SANDERS (Mrs. Martin DERMONT)

Lucinda SANDERS (Mrs. Charles WILDER)

Nettie SANDERS (Mrs. Frank WILDER)

James C. SANDERS, who married Cora ACKLEY

Walter SANDERS, who married Mary JAMES and died July 18 1878, his wife dying in 1877.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 849

 

Surnames:  SAUNDERS, BATES, RICH, DAVISON

 

James A. SAUNDERS, son of Benjamin and Rosanna (BATES) SAUNDERS, was born in Collins, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1846.  His father was a blacksmith and was born in Vermont.  His mother's family came from Massachusetts.  In March, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 64th N. Y. Vols., and served three years, being discharged in March, 1865, as first sergeant.  He participated in the battles of Fair Oaks (where he received and still carries a bullet in his left shoulder), Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettvsburg, Auburn Hill, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Po River, Spotsylvania (where he received a shell wound on his right foot), siege of Petersburg, Ream's Station, and Hatcher's Run.  He returned to Gowanda and resumed his trade of moulder.  He went to Pennsylvania in 1866 and became an expert driller of oil wells.  The past four years he has been an extensive jobber in Cattaraugus county in drilling water wells.  Dec. 8, 1869, he married Alice F., daughter of Joshua RICH, and has one daughter, Winnifred A. (Mrs. James A. DAVISON).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 849

 

Surname:  SCUDDER

 

Charles B. SCUDDER, D.D.S., son of Buel, was born in Randolph, Jan. 29, 1858, and was educated in Chamberlain Institute.  Oct. 1, 1887, he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated as a D.D.S. June 26, 1890.  Oct. 20, 1890, he commenced the practice of dentistry in the village of Cattaraugus, where he still resides.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 849

 

Surnames:  SHERMAN, LAWRENCE, HALL, PRINCE, BUFFINGTON

 

Hiram SHERMAN came to New Albion from Orleans county about 1828 and settled on Snyder hill.  His first wife was a LAWRENCE and the mother of six children:  Ira L., Moses S., Mary, Fannie, Malinda, and Martha.  In 1845 he married Phebe, daughter of Justus HALL.  Children: Albert L.; Alvin H., a harness maker at Dayton; and Lucy, widow of Frank PRINCE, of Cattaraugus.  Mr. SHERMAN died Aug. 1, 1860, aged sixty-four.

 

Albert L. SHERMAN was born in New Albion, April 20, 1847.  June 12, 1864, he enlisted in Co. F, 65th N. Y. Vols., and participated in six general engagements.  March 25, 1865, he was slightly wounded at the battle of Fort Stedman and April 2, 1865, was severely wounded before Petersburg and Richmond.  He was discharged at York, Pa., June 16, 1865.  He learned harness making and spent nine years railroading.  Since 1878 he has manufactured harnesses and dealt in horse furnishing goods in Cattaraugus.  He has served as constable several years and is now commissioner of highways.  April 1, 1867, he married Clara, daughter of Jerry BUFFINGTON, and has a daughter, Hattie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 850

 

Surnames:  SIGMAN, CRAMPTON

 

John H. SIGMAN, son of Martin, was born in New Albion, Nov. 23, 1850.  Martin SIGMAN, a native of Germany, was a skillful stone cutter who learned his trade in his native country.  In constructing the Erie railroad be was employed to cut the stone for the culverts and bridges.  He settled on a farm in the central part of New Albion, where he was both a farmer and stone cutter, and where be died Sept. 29, 1872.  His widow owns the homestead and resides in Cattaraugus village.  John H. SIGMAN received a good English education and followed farming while his father lived and until 1880, when he removed to Cattaraugus and engaged in general mercantile trade.  Oct. 19, 1882, he married Laura CRAMPTON, of Cattaraugus, and has one son, Fred Irvin, born Jan. 11, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 850

 

Surnames:  SMAIL, KRAGER, DAY

 

Fred C. SMAIL, born in Germany, June 14, 1833, married Sophia KRAGER, emigrated to America, and arrived in New Albion, July 14, 1861, where he owns the Hudson DAY farm.  Children:  Fred J., a cheese maker in Ellicottville; Mary, of Little Valley; Carrie; and William F., a graduate of Chamberlain Institute class of 1891.  He has taught school and in politics is a staunch and active Republican.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 850

 

Surnames:  SMITH, RICH, PAYNE, RUMSEY, PULLIN, LEE

 

Jacob SMITH, born March 21, 1809, came to New Albion about 1830, and settled on Snyder hill.  In his lifetime he cleared in all 400 or 500 acres of land, and died on the farm now occupied by his son James R.  He was interested in the political affairs of his town and county and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Dec. 22, 1830, he married Delaney RICH, who was born May 14, 1816, and died Dec 22, 1864.  Children:  Catherine, born June 30, 1832, married George A. PAYNE; Charles M., born June 25, 1834, a physician in Evansville, Wis., and a volunteer surgeon in the Civil war; James R., born Jan. 10, 1836; Judson, born April 29, 1841; Arvilla, born Dec. 13, 1843, married C. M. RUMSEY; Mary R. (Mrs. Rev. C. M. PULLIN), born May 23, 1848; and Matilda D., born Oct. 13, 1855, married Orson RICH.  Judson SMITH remained with his father until his death March 13, 1879.  July 4, 1865, he married Martha A., daughter of Danford RICH, who died June 10, 1882.  Dec. 24, 1884, be married Lucy A. LEE, and they have two daughters and one son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 850

 

Surnames:  SNYDER, KELLOGG, HOWARD, NEWELL, CHAMBERLAIN

 

Horace SNYDER, born in Onondaga county March 21, 1803, received a good English education, and commenced life as a pioneer in 1825 in New Albion, where his son Ambrose E. now lives, on Snyder hill, named in his honor.  He died Nov. 14, 1890.  He stood full six feet tall, was broad shouldered and athletic, enterprising, and a man of influence.  May 3, 1827, he married Olive KELLOGG, with whom he lived fifty-three years.  She died July 11, 1882.  Children of Horace and Mary (KELLOGG) SNYDER:

Serepta SNYDER, born Jan. 18, 1828, died June 20, 1860

Horace SNYDER, born Aug. 2, 1831, died May 24, 1834

Marsella SNYDER, born July 25, 1839, died April 19, 1860

Ambrose E. SNYDER, born Feb. 6, 1843.

 

Ambrose SNYDER received an academic education and in the fall of 1866 became a law student in the office of Frank A. NEWELL, Esq., of Gowanda, being admitted to the bar of this State in Oct., 1869.  In May following he accompanied the firm of CHAMBERLAIN & NEWELL to Emporia, Kas., where he practiced his profession a year.  He then became the partner of Mr. NEWELL and was in Waseca, Minn., about a year.  In 1873 he returned to his home on Snyder hill, where he now resides.  Mr. SNYDER, like his father, is a Democrat, and was elected supervisor in 1882 and 1883.  Feb. 16, 1873, he married Phebe, daughter of George HOWARD, of Persia; they have one son, Ralph H. SNYDER, born Aug. 31, 1883.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 850 & 851

 

Surnames:  TEN EYCK, SWARTZ

 

Albert TEN EYCK was born in Sharon, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1841, and a month later his father, Barrent J., settled in the valley just outside of the present corporation of Cattaraugus.  He was a farmer and formerly an axe-maker in Cohoes, where he assisted in constructing the first axe factory in that city.  He subsequently removed to the farm of his son Abram, in Mansfield, where he died about 1869.  Albert TEN EYCK went to Cohoes where he learned the business of axe-making, and in 1876, he organized the TEN EYCK Axe Manufacturing Company.  Aug. 27, 1881, his plant was destroyed by fire.  April 6, 1883, he was instrumental in organizing the TEN EYCK Edge Tool Company, of which he has since been superintendent and manager.  He served on the Board of Education four years and as a trustee of the village three years.  In 1864 he married Lucy M. SWARTZ, of Cohoes.  Children: Fred R., Lottie M., and Loren F. TEN EYCK.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 851

 

Surnames:  TULLER, BURDEN

 

Albert TULLER, born in North East, Pa., May 6, 1837, received a common school education and in 1856 entered the freight department of the Lake Shore railroad.  He learned telegraphy and in 1857 assumed the position of operator at North East, which he held until 1861, and was then stationed at Belvidere, N. Y., until June 13, 1872.  He then accepted the position of station agent at Cattaraugus, which he has since occupied, being also express agent.  Jan. 19, 1859, he married Caroline BURDEN;  Children: Maurice and Bessie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 851

 

Surnames:  VAN AERMAN, ETHRIDGE, JOHNSON

 

John VAN AERNAM, son of Jacob, was born about 1814 and came to Mansfield with his parents when a lad.  He married Martha ETHRIDGE, of Mansfield, and first settled on a farm.  Later he was the proprietor of the old Salamanca Hotel in West Salamanca.  About 1849 he went to California, where he was an extensive farmer and a hotel keeper, and where he died in 1863.  His oldest son, Wallace S., born about 1842, joined his father in California in the spring of 1863, was proprietor of a mail route, and was killed with his escort by a band of Indians a year or two later.

 

Frank VAN AERNAM, youngest son of John was born in Mansfield on March 14, 1846.  In the fall of 1862 he went out with the 154th NY Vols. as the helper of his uncle, the regimental surgeon, Dr. Henry VAN AERNAM.  He remained several months.  In 1864 he enlisted in the 9th NY Cav., and was discharged at the close of the war.  On Dec. 21, 1865, he married Jane JOHNSON, of Mansfield, and was a farmer until 1887, when he settled in Cattaraugus and became proprietor of a meat market.  He has five children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Pages 851 & 852

 

Surnames:  WAITE, ELLIS, MONTONYE, WYMAN, BUCHANAN, HIGBEE, PRITCHARD, WRIGHT, WILBER, KINNICUTT, HORTH

 

Stephen WAITE was a son of Rev. William WAITE, a Baptist clergyman who went from Rhode Island to Little White Creek, Washington county, and spent his life there preaching the gospel.  Stephen came to Napoli and settled at the geographical center of the town in 1824.  His sons were Isaac, George, Reuben, Peleg, James, William, and Oliver; his daughters were Sarah, Anna, Virtue, and Delilah.  The sons of Isaac are Martin, in Wisconsin; David, in Easton, Washington county; Jonathan, died in Leon; George, in Collins, N. Y.; Isaac, died in Michigan; Benjamin, died in Leon in 1891; and Butler, in Iowa.  His daughters were Bathsheba, died in Leon; Mary Ann, resides in Machias; and Jane, lives in Leon.  George had no family.  Reuben's sons are Thomas, a farmer, a soldier in the Civil war, and resides in Cold Spring; Alexander L., a farmer, also a soldier in the Rebellion, and resides in Napoli; Worden B., a farmer in Napoli and a soldier for the Union; and Warren W., also a soldier, and a farmer in Kansas.  His daughters are Jemimah and Almedia.  The sons of Peleg are Stephen, deceased, who served in the late war and died of disability; James, a farmer in New Albion; Zina, a farmer who died in New Albion; George, a soldier, now a farmer in Napoli; Peleg, a farmer in New Albion; and Orrin, a soldier, now a farmer in Napoli.  His only living daughter is Delilah (Mrs. Eli ELLIS), of Little Valley.  The sons of James are Guerdon, a mechanic in Michigan; Amasa, a soldier, deceased; James, a soldier, now a farmer in Napoli; and Noah, a soldier, now a farmer in Chautauqua county.  His daughters were Nancy, deceased; Hannah, deceased; Sarah, deceased; and Emily (Mrs. MONTONYE), of Napoli, who resides on the homestead.  The sons of William were Bartimus, died in Napoli; Harvey, died in New York city; and Adelbert, of Salamanca.  His daughter Maria died in Wyoming county.  The sons of Oliver are Isaac, a soldier and farmer living in Iowa; John, a soldier, now a farmer in Cherry Creek; and Oliver, who went to the Black Hills and has not since been heard from.  His daughters were Virtue, deceased; Abbie (Mrs. P. WYMAN), of Salamanca; Catherine, deceased; and Almina, deceased.

 

Peleg WAITE, son of Stephen, was born in Washington county and came to Napoli with his family in 1824.  He married Jane BUCHANAN and settled on the farm now occupied by his son Orrin, where he died aged about eighty years.  Mrs. WAITE died at the age of about seventy-eight.  Peleg WAITE, Jr., was born on the homestead Sept. 11, 1838, and Jan. 13, 1864, married Theodosia, daughter of Sanford HIGBEE, a lady who has woven thousands of yards of carpet and as high as 1,200 yards in a single year.  They settled on a farm in Napoli and two years later removed to Snyder hill.  Children:  Emma (Mrs. Edwin PRITCHARD), John H., Fenton E., and Horace L.

 

Zina WAITE, son of Peleg and Jane (BUCHANAN) WAITE, was born in Napoli, March 28, 1831, married Lucinda A., daughter of Jesse and Susan (WRIGHT) WILBER, Aug, 1, 1852, who was born Dec. 4, 1831, and settled in Napoli, where he was a farmer until March 1, 1869, when he moved onto a farm of 200 acres purchased of John A. KINNICUTT two miles west of New Albion.  In Nov., 1874, he sold this and removed to a smaller farm near the village of New Albion, where he died July 9, 1884.  Mr. WAITE enlisted twice in the service of his country, but was rejected on account of disability after being three months in the service and on drill at Black Rock.  Mrs. WAITE died March 20, 1885.  Children: Darwin D., born June 18, 1856, a cheese maker; and Edgar E., born Aug. 19, 1859.  The latter was educated at Chamberlain Institute and at the age of nineteen he taught his first term of district school, teaching in all nine terms.  At the age of twenty-two he was elected inspector of election and in 1886 was chosen justice of the peace, being the trial justice of his village.  March 11, 1883, he married Adda M., daughter of George HORTH; they have one son, Harold, born Dec. 7, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 852

 

Surnames:  WHITE, BARR, LOWE

 

Orlando WHITE, son of George W., was born in Irving, Chautauqua county, July 29, 1845, was graduated from the Gowanda Academy in June, 1861, and in Sept., 1861, went with Dr. George W. BARR, surgeon of the 64th N. Y. Regt., as his helper.  About seven months later he returned to Gowanda and engaged in the printing office of the Gowanda Reporter where he remained until Aug. 11, 1862.  He enlisted in Co. K, 154th N. Y. Vols., and served until July 1, 1865.  He participated in nine battles and several skirmishes, and escaped with a single wound, which he received May 30, 1864, after which he was assigned to the quartermaster's office in Louisville, Ky.  Completing his trade as a printer he has since followed that avocation, being now engaged on the Cattaraugus Times.  He was editor and publisher of the Lyndon Record in Michigan from Feb., 1878, to May, 1880, and was town clerk of New Albion in 1889.  Oct. 23, 1873, he married Della LOWE, of Leon; they have three sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 853

 

Surnames:  WOODWARD, MANLEY

 

Frank WOODWARD, born in Gowanda, Erie county, Jan. 20, 1855, came when about ten years old with his parents to Dunkirk, where he remained until July, 1876. He attended the High School and learned the trade of jeweler, and in 1875 spent about nine months in Coudersport, Pa.  Prior to this he was a traveling salesman three years.  In July, 1876, he came to Cattaraugus and opened a jewelry store.  After the fire of Oct. 22, 1881, he bought his present lot, on which he erected a frame store which was burned Sept. 5, 1888.  He immediately rebuilt and resumed business Dec. 15th.  Feb. 25, 1880, he married Jennie M., daughter of N. MANLEY, of Cattaraugus, a pioneer of Mansfield. They have one son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of New Albion – Chapter XXXVIII (38)

Page 853

 

Surnames:  YOUNG, ROSS, KELLOGG, WALKER, BAILEY, ARNOLD, STEVENS, TECHENTIEN, MARSH

 

Hon. Horace C. YOUNG, son of Henry YOUNG, Jr., was born in Fenner, N. Y., Aug. 28, 1806.  His father was born in Martha's Vineyard in 1775.  His grandfather, Henry YOUNG, Sr., was a native of Scotland, emigrated to Martha's Vineyard, and married there Lydia ROSS.  He was a graduate of Edinburgh University and a teacher most of his life.  His mother, Philena KELLOGG, was a native of Williamstown, Mass.  The family emigrated from Williamstown to Fenner, where Henry YOUNG died in March, 1852, and his wife in 1865.  Horace C. YOUNG assisted his father as an architect and builder, and Jan. 19, 1831, he married Laura P., daughter of Gideon and Barbara WALKER, a native of Whiting, Vt.  Her father lost his life at Fort Niagara in the War of 1812.  In the spring of 1832 Mr. YOUNG removed to New Albion, where he purchased the "improvements" on 58 1/2 acres of land.  The only building was a log shanty, roofed with bark and without a door or window.  During the remainder of his life he carried on both his farm and the business of architect and builder.  He was elected a justice of the peace in 1833 and supervisor in 1843, 1845, 1846, and 1847.  In the fall of 1848 he was elected to the Assembly and re-elected in the fall of 1849.  He was State senator in 1862 and 1863, was school commissioner ten years, and was assessor and commissioner of deeds about four years.  Mr. YOUNG was a man of more than ordinary ability.  He began his political life a Whig and joined the Republican party at its organization.  He was liberal in his religious opinions and was well known as honorable and in no sense aristocratic.  He was a thorough temperance man and a friend of the young.  He was often an administrator in settling estates.  Every good enterprise met his hearty support. He died May 19, 1879.  Mrs. YOUNG survived until May 18, 1890, aged nearly eighty-three.  Children: Helen P. (Mrs. George H. BAILEY), of Chicago, deceased; Laura P. (Mrs. E. Y. ARNOLD), of Ellicottville; Caroline E., a teacher ; Louise E. (Mrs. David STEVENS), of Conewango; Mary Z. (Mrs. F. C. TECHENTIEN), of New Albion; and H. Olin, who married Mary J. MARSH and is a lawyer in Ishpeming, Mich.

 

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TOWN OF OLEAN

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 897

 

Surname:  ABBOTT

 

D.S. ABBOTT, inventor and manufacturer of saw-mill machinery, was born in Ischua, July 1, 1838.  He removed to Olean when sixteen, perfected himself in mechanics, and has long been doing a profitable business in the manufacture of his inventions.  He makes lath-mills, lath-packers and trimmers, slab-slashers, shingle-machines, shingle-jointers, drag-saw machines, shingle-bolters, etc.  Mr. ABBOTT is a Prohibitionist and was the candidate of that party for sheriff in the election of 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 897

 

Surname:  ACKERLY

 

I.E. ACKERLY, a native of Kennedy, Chautauqua county, was reared on the farm and in early life clerked in stores, and at the age of eighteen began telegraphing, which he followed until 1870, being a year or two train dispatcher.  Becoming acquainted with the oil country and the oil business he was finally appointed agent for the Pennsylvania Transit, a pipe-line concern, and shortly afterward was promoted superintendent of all the company's lines, which position he resigned in 1877.  Since 1872 Mr. ACKERLY has been engaged largely in the oil business alone.  He is a prominent Mason.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 897

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, THORP, NICHOLS

 

Ansel ADAMS, son of Thomas and Anna (THORP) ADAMS, was born in Oak Hill, Greene county, July 16, 1804, and married March 4, 1835, Ruth A., daughter of Benjamin NICHOLS, of Windsor, N. Y.  In 1838 they came to Olean, where he died in 1886. In 1839 he was chosen deacon of St. Stephen's Episcopal church and for some time was its senior warden.  For a number of years he was prominently engaged in dealing in real estate and merchandise and left at his death a widow and three children, the latter being Edgar A., Norman E., and George A., all born in Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 897

 

Surnames:  ALDERMAN, LAWTON

 

E. E. ALDERMAN is a native of Portville, where his early life was passed as a student and clerk.  He was born May 4, 1858, and in November, 1887, came to Olean, where he associated himself with L.F. LAWTON and has since been engaged in the real estate business under the firm name of E. E. ALDERMAN and Co.  Mr. ALDERMAN has been secretary and treasurer to the Buffalo Street Land Company, secretary of the Olean Building, Loan, and Savings Association, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trade.  He has always taken a leading part in the political affairs of the country, and has been the treasurer of the Cattaraugus County Republican Committee.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 897 & 898

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, SHELDON, OOSTERHOUDT

 

Henry G. ALLEN, son of Stephen and Mary A. (SHELDON) ALLEN, was born in Allegany, May 2, 1838.  He began in business as a lumberman.  He volunteered in Co. A, 85th N. Y. Vols., July 16, 1861, and served until Nov. 24, 1862, when he re-enlisted in Co. L, 4th U.S. Artillery, for three years, and was discharged at the close of his term of service.  March 21, 1866, he married Mary A., daughter of Samuel OOSTERHOUDT.  He has since been a farmer in Olean, a lumber merchant of Portsmouth, Ohio, a lumberman and coal dealer in Rexford, Pa., form 1878 to 1881, and postmaster there from 1881 until he resigned in 1885.  Since then he has resided in Olean, with a winter residence in Florida.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 898

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, STODDARD, BLAKE, CAMPBELL

 

Clarence E. ANDREWS, son of George and Charlotte (STODDARD) ANDREWS, was born in Busti, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1849.  His paternal grandfather, a native of Vermont, was one of the first settlers of Busti, and held a captain's commission and led his company against the Indians, who afterward recognized him as their special friend.  His maternal grandfather, Rev. A. A. STODDARD, also a native of Vermont, was a prominent pioneer Baptist minister, who son, Rev. I. J. STODDARD, now of Iowa, was one of the first Baptist missionaries to India, where he labored about twenty years.  George ANDREWS is a farmer and still resides in Busti.  C. E. ANDREWS finished an academic education at Jamestown Academy.  At the age of eighteen he became a bookeeper in Minnesota, where he spent two years.  He next spent twelve or thirteen years as a traveling salesman.  In July, 1882, he purchased the furniture of A. BLAKE and has since been one of Olean's energetic business men.  Mr. ANDREWS is a member of the Board of Trade and of the Baptist church, and a Republican.  In Jan., 1874, he married Augusta F. CAMPBELL of Busti.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 898 & 899

 

Surnames:  ASHTON, MARSH, BIDDLE, STEVENS

 

Rev. James William ASHTON, D. D., rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal church, was born in Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1843.  His father was Daniel R. ASHTON, who for many years was a well-known teacher, and his mother was Elizabeth Josiah MARSH, a woman of aristocratic type descended from one of the old Revolutionary families.  His grandfather, Colonel MARSH was commander of a regiment of the Pennsylvania line and an aide-de-camp of general Washington during the battle of Princeton.  The early years of his life were spent under the parental roof, and at the age of sixteen he entered the University of Pennsylvania.  While there the Civil war broke out and the military spirit which he inherited from his forefathers was quickened by the patriotic and Spartan-like disposition of his mother, who inspired him with high and noble aims of life.  When the first gun of the Rebellion was fired all the patriotic impulses of his nature were stirred and he desired to offer his service as a volunteer soldier, but in consideration of his studies and his immature age it was deemed best to wait.  In the meantime his soldierly spirit was not at rest, for he was a member of the University Light Infantry Company.  In 1862 he laid aside his academic gown and nobly took his place with the brave men who were fighting for the preservation of the Union.  By appointment of Governor Curtin he received a commission as first lieutenant of Co. C, 157th Pa. Vols.  His first military duty was discharged in the neighborhood of the city, where he recruited a number of men, and at Fort Delaware Bay, where for a time he acted as post adjutant and learned the science of war, the drill, discipline, and tactics.  For some time he was drill-master of a large part of the garrison of the fort, when there were thousands of Confederate prisoners there.  Active service, however, was what he sought and he was soon engaged in the neighborhood of Washington and on the line of the Orange & Alexandria railroad in Fairfax county, Va., where he built a blockhouse to protect the road against the raids of rebel calvary under Rosser and Mosby.  He was with General Grant at the front in the spring of 1864 and fought in several engagements, and on the 28th of July he received a severe wound in the right scapula, which, along with other and almost fatal disabilities incurred in the line of duty, obtained for him an honorable discharge.  He experienced keen regret at being compelled to leave the army, but when health and strength permitted he proceed to carry out his long-cherished ambition of being a Christian minister.  His forefathers on both sides had been members of the Church of England and of the Protestant Episcopal church in this country, but from circumstances which occurred before his birth some of his family had drifted into the Baptist church and in its principles he was reared and at the age of fourteen was received into fellowship.  He studied for the ministry first in the Episcopal Divinity School in Philadelphia and then in the Baptist Theological Seminary in Newton, Mass.  He prepared some young men for college, among the number two who have distinguished themselves as clergymen, and for months he lectured to a large class of wounded and disabled soldiers at the Government hospital, for which service he was liberally compensated by Miss Elizabeth BIDDLE, of Philadelphia.  After graduating at Newton his first charge in the Baptist church was at Waterford, N. Y. , and his second the Central Baptist church of Norwich, Conn.  In 1871 he resigned from the ministry and membership of the Baptist denomination and was admitted to Holy Orders in the Episcopal church, being confirmed and ordained deacon and priest by the Rt. Rev. William Bacon STEVENS, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, in old Christ church, Philadelphia, a singular coincidence being that, when he stood in front of the chancel he was immediately above the grave of some of his ancestors, who had once been prominently identified with that church.  In this change of religious opinions and ecclesiastical connections Dr. ASHTON was governed entirely by the highest principles of conscientiousness, and from a profound belief that in the Episcopal church he could best serve his Lord and Master.  In the Episcopal ministry Dr. Ashton has been rector of the Church of Our Merciful Saviour (now the Annunciation), Philadelphia, where he labored for six years, after which he was rector of Grace church in the same city.  In April, 1883, he became rector of St. Stephen's church in Olean, which he still holds, it being the longest rectorship in the history of the parish.  He took charge of the church at a time when its condition was one of feebleness, and by the strength of his high personal character, coupled with the faculty of organization which he possesses, its condition is now one of strength and influence, not only to the community, but also in the Diocese of Western New York.  The elegant and costly new stone edifice which occupies a commanding position overlooking the park has been built and paid for during his rectorship.  As a pulpit orator Dr. Ashton has rare gifts.  Not only in the church but also in the community, is his influence and strong personality felt.  He received the degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater and the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Hobart College.  He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Historical society.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 899 & 900

 

Surnames:  BAIRD, TRACY

 

G. W. Delmar BAIRD was born in Ripley, N. Y., Sept. 16, 1847.  Receiving his education at the Quincy High School and serving an apprenticeship as a painter, he came to Olean in October, 1877, and entered the employ of the Empire Freight Line, of which he has been for some time its chief clerk, having also served as clerk of the Board of Education and treasurer of the First M. E. church.  Mr. Baird married, Nov. 11, 1868, H. Amelia, daughter of Kester TRACY of Ripley.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 899 & 900

 

Surnames:  BARROWS, SHEPARD, DAVIS

 

Erasmus BARROWS, who was born in Freedom on February 11, 1834, was a resident of Olean about twenty-five years, a portion of which time he practiced dentistry.  He married, Aug. 30, 1859, Ellen T., daughter of William B. SHEPARD.  Mr. SHEPARD's father was an early settler of the county and William B. died aged seventy-three on the farm where he was born.  Dr. BARROWS died in Olean, Aril 27, 1882.

 

David E. BARROWS, D.D.S., nephew of Dr. Erasmus BARROWS, was born in Arcade, N. Y., in 1855.  Commencing the study of dentistry with his father when eighteen he practiced with him until 1883, when he came to Olean, where he has since followed his profession.  He is a thorough student and is regarded as an expert having successfully treated many difficult cases in dental surgery.  Dr. BARROWS married, in 1880, Nettie, daughter of Francis K. DAVIS, of Yorkshire.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 900

 

Surnames:  BARSE, MORRIS, WADE, LEFEVRE

 

Hon. C.V.B. BARSE, born in Manchester, Ontario county, December 11, 1887, received his education in the common schools and in Penn Yan Academy, and began business as a clerk in a hardware store.  On attaining his majority he embarked in general merchandise business from Franklinville, where he remained until 1851, when he removed to Olean, where he had established a branch store in 1848.  In 1864, with H.S. MORRIS, he established a hardware shore at Bay City, which was continued five years.  His son, Mills W. BARSE, was for four years his representative there.  In 1868 he was nominated and elected to the State Legislature.  He was the founder of the State Bank of Olean in 1870, which was changed in 1878 to the Exchange National Bank.  Mr. BARSE was the only president of these banks until his death in 1885.  He was also the first canal inspector at Olean in 1857.  Sept. 7, 1841, he married Mary H., daughter of Aaron WADE, a farmer of Franklinville; children: Francis L., born June 20, 1844, married D. C. LEFEVRE, of Albany; Mills W., born Dec. 6, 1846; and William C., deceased.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 900

 

Surnames:  BARTLETT, BARSE

 

Frank L. BARTLETT was born in Belfast, Allegany county, September 25, 1859, was educated in the common schools and at Friendship Academy, and began his business career in the First National Bank of Cuba.  In 1880 he entered the Exchange National Bank of Olean, when the late Hon. C. V. B. BARSE was its active head, and later became assistant cashier.  Upon Mr. BARSE's death in 1885 Mills W. BARSE was made president and Mr. BARTLETT was promoted cashier, a position he has since ably filled.  He has been chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trade, treasurer of the Electric Light and Power Company, treasurer of the village, and director, secretary, and treasurer of the Pennsylvania Lumber Storage Company.  In all of these positions Mr. BARTLETT has exhibited a wonderful executive ability.  His decisions are quick, but are wrought with sound judgement, and in all transactions he evinces a keen, shrewd penetration.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 900

 

Surnames:  BAXTER, PHALEN

 

John L. BAXTER, son of John W., was born in Olean, June 21, 1832, and two years later removed with his parents to Friendship, N. Y,. where the father died in 1863.  The son married Ellen PHALEN, of St. John's, Ireland, in 1863, and in 1881 located permanently in Olean, where he engaged in the milling business.  Mr. BAXTER is a Democrat in politics.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page  900 & 901

 

Surnames:  BELL, DAVIDSON, SELL

 

C. E. and G. F. BELL (twins), sons of Nathaniel D. and Rebecca (DAVIDSON) BELL, were born in New Hudson, N. Y., in 1854.  They received an academic education in Friendship and were farmers until they attained their majority.  They began a commercial business at Kane, Pa., in the fall of 1876.  In 1880 they removed to the oil country near Bradford and there engaged in producing oil and selling goods until the fall of 1888, when they settled as dry goods merchants in Olean.  The firm of BELL Brothers has recently purchased store property formerly known as the Butler store and re-constructed it into one of the finest equipped dry goods stores in southwestern New York.  They employ twenty-five clerks.  C. E. BELL married a daughter of John SELL, of Warren Pa., in 1886 and had one son, born April 6, 1889.  Mrs. BELL died March 3, 1892, in the thirtieth year of her age.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 901

 

Surnames:  BIRGE, WHITNEY, BARNEY, HUMPHREY

 

Norman BIRGE, son of John, was born in Coventry, N. Y., July 7, 1816.  His father was a carpenter and a soldier in the War of 1812.  Norman BIRGE received a common school education and was a clerk and an apprentice to the trade of harness making.  In March, 1839, he settled permanently in Olean and opened a shop for the manufacture of harnesses, in which he was actively engaged until his death in 1892.  Dr. WHITNEY says, "Mr. BIRGE is distinguished as being the owner of the first buggy in Olean."  In 1853 Mr. BIRGE married Sarah BARNEY, a native of Vermont, and their only daughter, Jennette, is the wife of Fred B. HUMPHREY, whose children are Grace and James.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 901

 

Surnames:  BISHOP, HIGGINS, MINARD, HAAS

 

Jason S. BISHOP, son of Levi and Sarah (HIGGINS) BISHOP, was born in Hume, N. Y., Sept 27, 1835.  His father was a blacksmith and died in 1847, when the family removed to a farm.  In 1857 Jason S. went to Kansas, but a year later returned and engaged in the sale of groceries from the spring of 1859 to 1861.  He was next a farmer in Granger and Hume until 1874, then a merchant in Fillmore until 1879, when he settled in Olean, where he has since resided.  He purchased twenty-seven acres of the Martin farm and platted it into village lots, which he has been engaged in selling.  He is senior member of the firm J. S. BISHOP and Son, general merchants, and has also been engaged in the oil business.  He has served three years on the Board of Education and was a prominent member of the building committee in constructing the State Street Academy.  He was one of the largest contributors to secure the location of the Quirin tannery in Olean.  July 30, 1861 he married Mary S. MINARD.  Children living: George L., born Dec. 20, 1863, junior member of the firm of J. S. BISHOP and Son; and Sarah, born May 15, 1865, wife of S. I. HAAS, an architect in Los Angeles, Cal.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 901

 

Surnames:  BLAKE, BUTLER, EATON, GIFFORD, FAUNCE, WILKINSON, BIGELOW

 

Adoniram BLAKE was born in Milton, Vt, July 1, 1824, and when fifteen years of age moved with his parents to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where he attended the St. Lawrence Academy at Potsdam.  His father, John B., a native of New Hampshire, died in 1840.  After completing his education young BLAKE began the study of dentistry in Albion, Orleans county, which profession he subsequently practiced fifteen years, traveling on a circuit with headquarters at Buffalo, and in 1860 located permanently in Olean, where he formed a partnership with N. S. BUTLER in the dry goods business.  Three years later he bought the stock of F. R. EATON, taking as a partner in this enterprise L. W. GIFFORD.  He sold his interest in this store three years afterward to Bradley FAUNCE and devoted his attention to his hardware trade, which he had previously established as the second establishment of the kind in Olean, and which he sold in 1880, repurchasing it, however, in 1885 and forming a partnership with W. S. WILKINSON under the firm name of BLAKE & WILKINSON.  In 1874 he built BLAKE's Opera house at a cost of over $20,000, at that time the finest block in the county.  In 1858 Dr. BLAKE married Anna M. BIGELOW of Sardinia, N. Y..  Dr. BLAKE served many years on the Board of Education and the Board of Village Trustees.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 901 & 902

 

Surname:  BLAKESLEE

 

Manley A. BLAKESLEE, born in Perryville, N. Y., April 4, 1824, came to Olean in 1847, and for three years taught school and clerked.  In 1851 he opened the first drug and book store in Olean, which he continued until 1886, except the years 1863 and 1864.  Mr. BLAKESLEE is now a surveyor.  While in trade as a merchant he was three times burned out.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 902

 

Surnames:  BLESSING, SHELLING, BACON

 

Conrad J. BLESSING, son of John and Apoleno (SHELLING) BLESSING, was born in Allegany, May 2, 1861.  He lost his father while yet a lad and was early apprenticed at the blacksmith trade.  He began business for himself in his native town about 1880.  In 1882 and 1883 he came to Olean and purchased a shop, which was burned, and erected another on the site.  He gives his entire attention to horseshoeing.  In 1882 he married Huldah BACON, of Allegany.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 902

 

Surnames:  BLIGHTON, BARGAY, HOYT, OOSTERHOUDT

 

Elijah C. BLIGHTON was born in Machias, Feb. 24, 1849.  His father was Thomas N. BLIGHTON, a carpenter and joiner by trade, who died there June 9, 1861, after residing in the town some fifteen years.  Receiving a commercial education at Arcade, N. Y., Eliah C. married, in 1873, Ida C. BARGAY, of Concord, Erie county, who died Nov. 14, 1884; he married, second Minnie A. BARGAY in 1886.  Locating in Olean in 1875, in the furniture establishment of HOYT & OOSTERHOUDT, he began business for himself in 1880 as an undertaker.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 902 – 904

 

Surnames:  BOARDMAN, BOREMAN, BORMAN, BORDMAN, HATCH, MARTIN, WARREN, NORTON, RICE, BARTLETT

 

The BOARDMAN family of American largely descends from Samuel BOREMAN, an Englishman of prominence, who came to Ipswich, Mass., in 1637, and in 1640 permanently settled in Wethersfield, Conn.  He was a man of education and property, and his descendants in every generation have held high positions in both church and State.* (footnote here: The name was spelled BORMAN or BOREMAN until 1712, when it became BORDMAN and later BOARDMAN.  The line from Samuel to Jehiel is Samuel (1), Nathaniel (2), Nathaniel (3), Nathaniel (4), Jehiel (5).)  A log-book of Timothy BOARDMAN, kept on the Colonial privateer Oliver Cromwell in 1778, giving much of value of early times and also a biography of the author, Rev. Samuel W. BOARDMAN, D.D., was published by the Rutland County Historical Society in 1885.  The introduction by the secretary of that society says: "The BOARDMANs are all known as a strictly industrious, upright, religious, scholarly race."

 

Jehiel BOARDMAN (5) was born at Bolton, Conn., Sept. 30, 1761.  Emigrating to Norwich, Vt, with his parents in early childhood he, while yet in early youth, commenced active life as a soldier in the Revolutionary army.  After the war he became a merchant and lumberman at Norwich, where, in 1789, he married Sally HATCH.  In 1795 the glittering reports that came to him concerning the "Western Reserve" (which was just offering itself to civilized occupancy) caused him to take a journey thither.  His route was on foot from Norwich to Philadelphia to Pittsburg, finishing his journey to Cincinnati on a government boat loaded with corn.  Here General Wayne was drilling his men preparatory to the famous battle with the Indians at Miami. (footnote here: The land where Cincinnati now stands was then selling for $1 an acre, and one mile back from the river it brought twenty-five cents an acre.)  Mr. BOARDMAN returned to Norwich with the intention of emigrating to the Western Reserve, but was prevented by the opposition of friends and the dangers and hardships of the journey.  In 1799 he removed to Derby, Vt, a few miles from the Canada line.  Here he cleared up a farm, commenced lumbering, and subsequently engaged in merchandising.  In 1813 he decided to move to the Ohio country.  His family then consisted of seven children.  The long and tedious journey was made with his own teams, taking with him his household goods.  They reached Olean early in 1814, then the head of the navigation on the Allegheny, and where boats were fitted out for going down the river.  Pleased with the advantages Olean offered Mr. BOARDMAN decided to settle here, purchased land on the north side of Olean creek (the present site of Boardmanville), and began to clear and make a home in the dense pine forest, building a log house, in which he lived while clearing and improving his land.  In 1817 he built a large frame barn 34 x 54 feet and in 1818 erected a commodious frame dwelling 32 x 44 feet.  These buildings were built by hand, as there was no machine work in those days, and they are yet in use, the house now standing on First avenue in Boardmanville.  Jehiel BOARDMAN was a man well calculated by disposition and inclination for a pioneer.  He was energetic, industrious, and scrupulously honest, and for the score of years he lived in the newly-settled town of Olean his influence was greatly felt and duly appreciated by his fellow citizens.  He resided in the home he had built until his death, July 27, 1834.  His wife survived him seven years.

 

Olcott P. BOARDMAN (6), youngest son of Jehiel and Sally (HATCH) BOARDMAN, was born at Derby, Vt, March 28, 1810, and came with his parents to Olean.  His childhood days were passed in the pioneer's home, and amid the labors and privations incident to that life he attained a manhood vigorous in the sturdy characteristics which make the worthy man.  His school education was necessarily limited, but he made good use of the opportunities afforded, and when nineteen years of age became clerk for Hon. F. S. MARTIN; his next employer was G.E. WARREN, a lumber dealer of Pittsburg.  He passed the spring and summer seasons in that city and the winters in the Upper Allegany, where he bought lumber.  When twenty-two years old he re-purchased the old homestead (his father having lost his title by the bankruptcy of Hoops) from F. A. NORTON, who had become land proprietor of this portion of "Hoop's purchase."  In 1833 Mr. BOARDMAN made very many improvements on the homestead, but during the great tornado of March 20, 1834, his unfinished barn was devastated, his house greatly injured, and of his 200 acres of timber hardly a tree was left standing.  This disaster, although destroying most of his property, did not discourage him, and he rebuilt and repaired the buildings which were occupied by his parents.  From this time until 1849 he was successfully engaged in lumbering, supplying the markets of the cities on the Ohio river from the pineries of the Allegheny and its tributaries.  In 1849 Mr. BOARDMAN remodeled the homestead and made it his home.  In 1867 he selected and made extensive purchases of land (covered with valuable timber) in the fertile Red River valley of Minnesota.  In 1871 the first iron bridge in town was built over Olean creek at Boardmanville by Mr. BOARDMAN, then highway commissioner, despite great opposition.  Boardmanville, comprising about thirty acres of the BOARDMAN farm, was platted in 1878.  Over five acres was given to streets fifty feet wide and avenues forty feet wide.  The lots were 50 x 120 feet in size.  The first sale of lots was made and buildings erected in the fall of 1879.  The deeds have a clause prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors.  There are now more than 100 good homes with a population of 500 people in Boardmanville, showing the results of a wise and liberal policy of dealing and the benefit of the prohibition of liquor traffic.  In Nov, 1883, he moved into his fine brick residence, which he commenced to build in Sept, 1882, on the old homestead site, personally superintending its construction, and here he now resides with his wife and granddaughter amid its lovely surroundings awaiting the Master's call.

 

Mr. BOARDMAN married, October 3, 1833, Marcia P., daughter of Luman RICE, a prominent pioneer and businessman of Olean.  Their son, Luman Olcott BOARDMAN, born at Olean, December 16, 1835, married Emeline C., daughter of Joshua N. BARTLETT of Olean.  He died Sept. 11, 1881.  Mrs. Emeline C. BOARDMAN died June 1, 1889.  Their children were Marcia Rice, born at Olean, and Olcott P., who died Aug. 1, 1871.  Mr. BOARDMAN has ever been an important factor in the civil business of the town.  In 1838 he was elected justice of the peace at Olean; he was postmaster from 1849 to 1853, toll collector on the Genesee Valley canal at Olean from 1860 to 1862, assistant assessor of United States internal revenue from 1862 to 1866, has also served as town assessor, for years has been a prominent and useful member of the Board of Education, and in many positions of trust has done admirable service.  Mr. BOARDMAN is a strong temperance worker and has been a conscientious member of the Presbyterian church for more than half a century.  He is a careful and methodical man of business, who has done much service to the community in responsible positions.  He stands in the front rank of progress, and the active influence of both himself and estimable wife has been freely given to causes working for the betterment of humanity.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Olcott P. BOARDMAN

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 904

 

Surnames:  BRADNER, ADAMS

 

John H. BRADNER, the general manager of the large dry goods establishment of George B. ADAMS & Co., is a native of Orange county, and during his residence in Olean has acquired an enviable reputation for honest dealing, strict integrity, and uprightness.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 904

 

Surname:  CONKLIN

 

William H. CONKLIN moved from his native town (Greenfield, Saratoga county) to Wyoming county in the fall of 1824.  In 1843 he removed to the village of Castile, where he established business as a blacksmith and wagon maker, which he moved to Olean in 1860.  Here he has carried on business under the firm name of W. H. & D. C. CONKLIN, manufacturing wagons which have acquired a wide reputation.  Mr. CONKLIN is one of the leading citizens of Olean.  He is esteemed as a man of substantial worth.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 904

 

Surname:  COON

 

James V. D. COON, M.D. (see also page 157), has doubtless the longest presidential record of any man in Cattaraugus county.  Prominent among the Olean organizations of which he has held the position of presiding officer, or of which he is president at the present time, are the Board of Trade since its formation in 1888, the Board of Education, the village, the Electric Light and Power Company, and the Building, Loan, and Savings Association.  He has also held other important public positions, being coroner three years, and in all these various capacities, Dr. COON has evinced a broad and liberal mind, absolute integrity, and an intimate knowledge of parliamentary practices.  He is an energetic republican and a worthy Mason.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 904

 

Surname:  BULLIS

 

Spencer S. BULLIS was born in Aurora, N. Y., in 1846, and when twenty years old was engaged in the lumber business in that town, going from there to Port Allegany, Pa., with his brother, and as BULLIS Brothers operated there for five years, when they bought the Fobes mills near State Line, establishing there the town known as BULLIS Mills, and also about the same time building the large mills at Carrolton, both of which are still producing large amounts of lumber.  His personal lumber interests are conducted under the head of the Allegany Lumber Company (Limited).  It was in 1884 that the various lumberman of Olean and vicinity formed what is called the United Lumber Company (Limited), which was finally succeeded by the Pennsylvania Lumber Storage Company, of which Mr. BULLIS was made general manager, and which does business from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.  Mr. BULLIS purchased large tracts along the Red House, Quaker Run, Sugar Creek, and Willow Creek valleys, containing some 40,000 acres and tributary to the Allegany & Kinzua railroad.  Mr. BULLIS is a central figure in the lumber transactions of northern Pennsylvania.  He is the executive officer of all his business enterprises.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 905

 

Surnames:  CHAMBERLIN, PLATT, WOODRUFF, CLARK, TROY, NORTHRUP, PIERCE

 

George CHAMBERLIN, son of Moses and Anna (PLATT) CHAMBERLIN, was born in Franklinville, Aug 11, 1821, and was one of a family of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity.  George at the age of twenty-one went on foot to Massachusetts with his cousin Arad WOODRUFF, for the purpose of perfecting a brick-making machine.  He remained there about a year without successfully completing the invention, when he left it to his cousin and returned the same way to Cattaraugus county.  He next became a millwright, and invented, patented, and perfected a rope-making machine and sold the right for $5,000.  About 1848 he came to Olean, where he spent the remainder of his life.  Here he established a foundry and machine shop which he continued as a custom and job establishment until he completed and patented his stump-pulling machine, the manufacture and sale of which gave employment to ten men.  This business he conducted till his death Oct. 17, 1884.  He was a pillar of the Methodist Church and its steward and trustee.  Feb. 4, 1846, he married Clarissa CLARK, who was born June 6, 1825, and who died Nov. 6, 1866; children: Henry W., Lewis G., and Ella V.

 

Henry W. CHAMBERLIN, born March 2, 1847, received a business education in Buffalo, engaged with his father in manufacturing his stump-pulling machines, and was a member of the CHAMBERLIN Manufacturing Company until Feb. 24, 1888, when he became the sole owner of the business and conducted it alone until his death Nov. 9, 1889.  The business is continued by Mr. CHAMBERLIN's widow and by Edward TROY, who had long served as book-keeper.  Mr. CHAMBERLIN was president of Olean village and a member of the Board of Education.  June 9, 1870, he married Emma O. NORTHRUP, of Onondaga county, and they had one daughter, Clara N.  Lewis G. CHAMBERLIN was born April 20, 1851, and became a partner in the CHAMBERLIN Manufacturing Company in 1875, where he was engaged until Feb. 1888, when he sold his interest to his brother and engaged in the real estate business and in manufacturing dynamite in Chattanooga, Tenn.  He died in Olean, Nov. 16, 1891.  May 22, 1877, he married Patience S. PIERCE, of Ischua; children: George L., born Feb. 26, 1878, and C. Husted, born Feb. 9, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 905

 

Surnames:  CLARK, LUTHER, HARDY

 

Andrew B. CLARK, native of Rushford, N. Y. , was born in 1847 and came to Olean with his parents when he was seven years old.  Receiving a good business education he first learned the carpenter's trade and after building the shops, etc. for James H. LUTHER he began with the latter the trade of pattern making which he still follows.  Aug. 8, 1868, Mr. CLARK married Carrie S. HARDY of Rushford, Allegany county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 905

 

Surname:  COAST

 

John COAST was born in Venango county, Pa., in 1825.  His early business operations consisted of manufacturing iron and fire-brick; he was a pioneer in the oil development, being one of the first to engage in the business, and having since successfully followed it, operating in all the fields.  Before pipe lines were established Mr. COAST shipped the oil down the river in barges.  With his sons F. T. and J. W. he has conducted an extensive oil business and pushed to a successful issue many other enterprises of note.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page  905 & 906

 

Surnames:  COON, FERRIN, WEBER

 

Sam H. COON, the city and associate editor of the "Olean Daily" and "Weekly Times", has been a resident of Olean about seven years, during which time he has thoroughly identified himself with the material interests of the city.  Mr. COON was born at Ashaway, R. I., and at an early age went to Wisconsin,where his youth was spent.  He learned the printer's trade in a country newspaper office in Wisconsin, and attended school at Albion (Wis.) Academy and Alfred (N. Y.) University.  He began his newspaper experience with FERRIN & WEBER on the "Cattaraugus Republican".  Mr. COON has a wide acquaintance in journalism and is regarded as a versatile writer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 906

 

Surnames:  DOWNS, BULLIS

 

John W. DOWNS was born in Wellsville, Allegany county, July 4, 1862, and came to Olean in 1877 in the interests of BULLIS Brothers, which firm soon afterward merged into the Allegany Lumber Company, with whom Mr. DOWNS continues as superintendent of the lumber department.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 906

 

Surnames:  DUFFY, LeSTRANGE

 

Patrick J. DUFFY, born in Ireland, July 9, 1850, became a merchant tailor in Olean in 1880.  In May, 1879, he married Mary E. LeSTRANGE, of Pennsylvania.  He is a highly respected citizen and a careful business man.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 906

 

Surnames:  DUKE, COKAYNE, REASER, MORGAN, PIERCE

 

Joseph DUKE, son of William and Elizabeth (COKAYNE) DUKE, natives of England who emigrated to America about 1829, was born in Conklin, N. Y., April 23, 1836.  In 1841 the family removed to Scio, N. Y., and July 3, 1866, he married Emily REASER at Hammondsport, N. Y..  He settled in McKean county, Pa., with his brothers, and built up the village of Duke's Center, named in their honor.  They bought quite extensively of cheap lands and when it was discovered that they were situated in the Bradford oil belt large parcels were sold.  They were also extensive lumber dealers and manufacturers.  In the spring of 1875 William and Joseph DUKE went to Bradford and opened there the first lumber yard.  Later they bought extensively lands which proved to be good oil territory.  Joseph DUKE was a director in the Bradford National Bank and when Bradford became a city he was nominated by the Republicans for mayor, but declined the honor.  He was for years intimately connected with Olean and decided to make it his home.  He removed hither and purchased one of the most eligible sites in town, upon which he commenced the erection of a fine residence, but died Dec. 25, 1884.  The Bradford Oil Exchange, of which he was a member, convened at once, appointed a committee of five members who attended his funeral, and adopted resolutions, in which were these words: "In his death the Exchange loses a member whose quiet, unobtrusive life was a synonym of all the attributes which adorn life and make man respected."  Mrs. DUKE resides in Olean.  Children: Joseph Hanford, born Dec 25, 1868, of Corry, Pa., and Myron J., born Dec 3, 1875.

 

John DUKE, son of William and a native of Corbettsville, N. Y., was born April 14, 1832.  After his father's death in 1848 he remained with his mother until he attained his majority, when he became a millwright, which, with farming and lumbering, he followed the ensuing twenty years.  About 1868, with his brothers Thomas, Joseph, and Charles, he removed from Scio to McKean county, Pa., and settled in the hamlet now known as Duke's Center, where he continued his old occupation until 1878, when he commenced oil operations by sinking two wells on his own lands, which have since constantly produced oil.  In 1881 he came to Olean and built a beautiful residence and a brick block on Union street which bears his name.  He is also interested in real estate, and is identified with the denomination of Disciples of Christ at Duke's Center, to which he gave the grounds and most of the funds for the erection of the church edifice of the First Church of Christ, and also planned and laid out the Duke's Center Cemetery.  Mr. DUKE married Nancy J., the daughter of Joseph MORGAN, of Scio.  They have an adopted son, William C. DUKE, a farmer at Duke's Center, who married Ella PIERCE and has sons John G., G. Wellington, and Daniel.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 906 & 907

 

Surnames:  EATON, LOCKWOOD

 

Fred R. EATON, born in Springville, N. Y., July 24, 1833, was educated in Springville Academy, and in 1856 became interested in mercantile business in Olean, but for two years thereafter remained personally in Buffalo, acting as under-sheriff under his father-in-law, Orrin T. LOCKWOOD.  In 1858 he removed with his family to Olean and was an active merchant here thirty years.  During that time his stores were burned four different times and upon two occasions the loss was total.  During his business career he built fourteen stores on Union street between State and Laurens, two of which are now standing, all the others having been burned.  There are now standing in the city eleven dwelling houses which were also built by him.  In politics Mr. EATON has always been a republican, and as such was elected supervisor of Olean in 1863 and 1864.  As a member of the town board during the war he successfully resisted an attempt to repudiate town bonds issued to resident volunteers for the purpose of keeping the quota full.  In 1879 Mr. EATON was elected president of the village and re-elected in 1880.  In 1886 business called him to Duluth, Minn., where he has since spent most of his time.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 907

 

Surname:  EATON

 

A. T. EATON was born in Cuba, N. Y., and has spent most of his life in banking institutions.  After residing a number of years in the west he returned to Cuba, where he entered a bank as collection clerk

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 907

 

Surnames:  EMERSON, ALLEN

 

Andrew J. EMERSON was born in Allen, N. Y., Feb 28, 1856, and married Lula ALLEN, of the same place, who was born Dec. 3, 1855; children: Susie and Grace.  Mr. EMERSON came to Olean in 1886 and shortly afterward established his present business of manufacturing marble and granite monuments.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 907

 

Surnames:  FARLEY, LAMBECK

 

JAMES FARLEY was born in Havana, Schuyler county, August 6, 1856, and at the age of seventeen located in Olean, where he has since resided.  Feb. 8, 1882, he opened the Buffalo House, which he still conducts as a hotel.  July 2, 1878, Mr. FARLEY married Anna M. LAMBECK, of Olean.  A Democrat in politics he was elected alderman of his (the 3d) ward in 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 907

 

Surname:  FIX

 

Jacob FIX, born in Batavia, N. Y., August 19, 1868, located in Olean as baker and confectioner in 1886.  He has built up a profitable business and a good reputation and enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 907

 

Surname:  FRANCHOT

 

N. V. V. FRANCHOT was born in Morris, Otsego county, August 21, 1855, and attended and was graduated form the Union School at Schenectady and from Union College in 1875.  He began business in Millerstown, Pa., but removed to Olean, Sept. 1, 1878, where he has since resided.  His operations have been principally in producing petroleum in connection with the firm of FRANCHOT Brothers, of which he was the senior and active member.  He is interested in the Tidewater Pipe-Line Company, in some valuable mines in Canada, and in real estate in Washington and Olean.  Mr. FRANCHOT was chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trade its first year.  He stands high in the councils of the Republican party, and as a business man and citizen is energetic, progressive, and competent.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 907

 

Surnames:  FRAWLEY, ROACH

 

John B. FRAWLEY, born in Owego, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1845, began learning his trade of tinsmith in Syracuse in 1863 and located in Olean in 1879, establishing himself in the hardware business, which he still follows.  May 29, 1872, he married Margaret E. ROACH of Owego.  Mr. FRAWLEY was for some time a member of the Board of Education.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 908

 

Surname:  GALLAGHER

 

GALLAGHER Brothers, sons of James GALLAGHER, came to Olean in 1878 and engaged in the manufacture and sale of nitroglycerine and dynamite, and did a large business in the Bradford, West Virginia, and Ohio oil fields, where they torpedoed successfully hundreds of wells.  James E. GALLAGHER, the senior brother, is the patentee of the valuable "Explosive Weight," which will explode a torpedo or other explosive at any depth and 2,000 feet under water.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 908

 

Surname:  GILLINGHAM

 

Charles GILLINGHAM, a native of England, came to this country in 1852, when twenty-six years of age, locating at once in Olean.  Being a carpenter by trade he soon began contracting and has since successfully followed that line of business.  In 1865, after the great fire, he started the Olean Sash Factory.  Mr. GILLINGHAM has built many public buildings, among them the Chamberlain Institute and Dow's Bank at Randloph, St. Bonaventure's College at Allegany, First M. E. church and Alumni hall of Ingham University at LeRoy, and the Exchange National Bank and the Methodist, Baptist and Episcopal churches in Olean.  Although naturally of a quiet temperament he is relied upon for active work in all philanthropic measures.  He is a staunch Republican and a fearless temperance advocate, is a director of the Forman Library Association, and the oldest member in point of service on the Board of Education.  Perhaps his greatest efforts outside of business have been in the line of church work.  He has long been a member and supporter of the Methodist church of Olean, being for many years superintendent of the Sunday school, and occupying various other official positions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 908

 

Surnames:  GODFREY, PECK, NORTON, BOUTON, HICKS, OOSTERHOUDT, TUBBS, OLDS, VAN DUSEN

 

David P. GODFREY, son of Joel and Permelia (PECK) GODFREY, was born in West Bloomfield, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1813, and in the spring of 1827 came with his father to Yankee hill in Ischua.  In Dec. 1829, they removed to Pleasant valley in Olean, about two miles north of the village.  In 1834 he purchased his first 100 acres of wild land of Frederick A. NORTON, paid for it, and added to it from time to time until he had nearly 300 acres.  He has aided in building the local school house and two church edifices for the Methodists, of which church he is a member and trustee.  In 1841 he married Abigail BOUTON, by whom he had one son, Elisaph D., born in Jan. 1842.  He enlisted in the 154th N. Y. Vols. and received a gunshot wound at the battle of Chancellorsville.  Upon recovery he was again employed by the government, which he has continuously served to the present time, being now in the Pension Department as a travelling agent.  He married Amanda HICKS; children living: Carrie (Mrs. Charles OOSTERHOUDT); Orrin W. and Frank N., of the firm of D. P. GODFREY and Sons, farmers, breeders of full blood Holstein cattle, milk dealers, who reside on the homestead; I. Mulvin, a farmer in Portville; Elmer M., express messenger; and Fred W., a photographer in Olean.  Orrin W. GODFREY, born on the farm where he now resides, Jan 30, 1849, was educated in the common school of his district and in Olean Academy, and has always been a farmer.  May 24, 1871 he married Frances H., daughter of John A and Elizabeth C. (TUBBS) OLDS, of Smethport, Pa., who were pioneers of McKean county.  Children: Mina A. and Myra E. (twins), born Aug. 15, 1873, and Elizabeth A., born Sept. 13, 1888. Frank N. GODFREY, also born on the homestead, June 29, 1852, married, Sept. 13, 1886, Helen A. VAN DUSEN, of Olean, and has one daughter, Ruth A., born April 1, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 908 & 909

 

Surnames:  HASTINGS, FOX, SHEPARD

 

Henry HASTINGS, son of Barnabas and Permelia (FOX) HASTINGS, was born in Cortland county Dec. 5, 1828.  In 1836 his parents removed to Sardinia, N. Y., and his mother died in September following.  At the age of 15 he began working in summer and attending school in winter, and learned the carpenter's trade in Ontario county, where he resided about five years.  In the fall of 1851 he came to Olean, where he has since resided.  He has been a carpenter and builder nearly forty years, and is also a farmer on lot 3.  Mr. HASTINGS has been highway commissioner four years and with his colleagues in office built the first Iron bridge in Olean.  He also served as assessor one term.  Sept. 20, 1855, he married Sarah, daughter of the pioneer, William B. SHEPARD; children: Fred B., born Sept. 28, 1856; Ellen S., born Sept. 14, 1858; Wm. H., born Jan. 1, 1874; Frank E., born Jan. 1, 1866, died Nov. 2, 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 909

 

Surnames:  HAUGH, McGUINN

 

Michael J. HAUGH was born in Ireland, Aug. 15 1853, came with his parents to America when seven years of age, and finally learned the trade of stone cutter, which he followed several years.  Locating in Olean in 1879 he established his present bottling works, being also a dealer in ice, and meeting in all his business enterprises with excellent success.  June 12, 1881, he married Margaret McGUINN, of Weston's Mills.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 909

 

Surnames:  HEILBRUNN, ROSENBAUM

 

Joseph HEILBRUNN, a native of Germany, was born May 17, 1848, immigrated to America in 1866, and located in Olean in 1880, where he started a small business in peddlers' supplies, which he constantly increased in volume to the present proportions.  His wife is Rosa ROSENBAUM, whom he married in October, 1880.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 909

 

Surnames:  HIGGINS

 

Orin T. HIGGINS was born in Centerville, Allegany county, August 14, 1826.  He successfully followed the mercantile business for many years in Allegany county and was engaged in banking and other commercial enterprises, through which he amassed an ample fortune.  Mr. HIGGINS latterly gave his entire attention to his extensive timber and real estate interests, principally in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.  He was president of the HIGGINS Land Company and treasurer of the Olean Land Company, and was one of the largest individual owners of white pine timbered lands in the United States.  He had also extensive real estate interests in this city.  He died March 3, 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 909

 

Surnames:  HIGGINS, BLODGETT

 

Frank W. HIGGINS was born in Rushford in 1856.  His schooling was finished at the Riverview Military Academy on the Hudson, after which, at the age of twenty, he went in to trade in Michigan.  In 1879 he came to Olean and took the active management of the business of HIGGINS, BLODGETT & Co. who at that time were running a number of stores in the oil country and in Allegany and Wyoming counties.  He now devotes most of his time to western land interests.  An active Republican, he has been chairman of the County Committee, and was a member from the 34th Congressional District to the Chicago convention of 1888.  He did effective work upon the stump during the campaign of that year and is among the recognized leaders of his party in this part of the State.  His name is spoken of as a candidate of his party for a State senator.  He is president of the Forman Library Association, has been eminent commander of the St. John's Commandery, K. T., was a member of the St. Stephen's church building committee, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trade.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 909

 

Surnames:  HOLLY, ALLEN

 

George J. HOLLY, born in Ceres, Allegany county, in 1860, married in 1881, Emily R. daughter of Dewitt C. ALLEN, of Allentown, Allegany county.  He is a member of the 43d Separate Company and his wife is a dealer in hair goods, etc., in Olean. Her father, who died in 1864, was a prominent resident of Allegany county, holding several important offices and being extensively engaged in business enterprises.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 909 & 910

 

Surnames:  HOMER, SEYMOUR, CLARK, ROOT

 

Samuel R. HOMER was born in Lowell, Mass., Feb. 1, 1817, and died in Olean, March 20, 1889.  Mr. HOMER came to Olean about the time of the construction of the New York, Lake Erie & Western railroad in 1841, with which he was prominently connected, being the superintendent of construction of the telegraph lines from Jersey City westward to Little Valley.  Upon the completion of the road he took charge of the dining-room at the Olean station, which he conducted for many years.  With the exception of about two years Mr. HOMER has been continuously a resident of Olean since 1851.  In 1859 he became associated with ex-Governor Horatio SEYMOUR in the lumber business in this town, and the two were jointly the owners for many years of a large tract of real estate north of the city.  Their partnership relations were dissolved about 1880, but their personal relations remained of the most close and intimate character until the death of the ex-governor.  Until the advancing years brought feeble health Mr. HOMER was actively engaged in business enterprises, in which he was successful in a marked degree.  He had led an upright, honorable and useful life.  He generously placed at the disposal of the Board of Trade valuable and desirable tracts of land, was prominently connected with the Masonic bodies in the city, and was one of the early members of St. John's Commandery, K. T. He married, Nov. 14, 1845, Sarah A. CLARK; children residing in Olean: Eugene A., George D., and James M.  George D. HOMER was born in Piermont N. H., July 27, 1849, and with his brothers is a farmer and stock breeder.  James M. HOMER, born in Olean, April 3, 1852, married September 20, 1883, Hattie D. ROOT, of Bolivar N. Y.  Eugene A. HOMER is the Olean agent for the American Express Company.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 910

 

Surnames:  HUTCHINGS, SUTTON

 

William HUTCHINGS, an Englishman by birth and parentage, was born in 1851, came to America, locating in Armstrong county, Pa., in 1869, where he was engaged in the oil business, and in 1883 settled in Olean, where he opened the Genesee House.  In 1881 He married Eva SUTTON, of Greece City, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 910

 

Surname:  IRISH

 

William M. IRISH, general local manager of the Standard Oil Company, was born at Fair Haven, Mass., July 2, 1829, served as clerk in the customs office at New Bedford during the administration of Pierce and Buchanan, and in 1861 engaged in the petroleum oil refining business at that place, being made superintendent of the New Bedford Oil Company, which was one of the first to engage in refining petroleum.  In 1865 Mr. IRISH came to the oil country and became the superintendent and treasurer of the Wamsutta Oil Company, which was located on Oil creek.  In 1872 he became the superintendent of the Octave Refining Company at Titusville, remaining with that company until it was sold to the Acme Refining Company in 1876.  Mr. IRISH came to this city in May, 1876, taking the position of general manager of the Acme Works, which position he has since held.  In point of years of experience he is one of the oldest oil refiners in the country, and has acquired a thorough and independent practical and scientific knowledge of the business.  His opinions on the various branches of oil refining are recognized as high authority, and he is frequently called upon as an expert.  He was a member of the school board and city council of Titusville for several years, a member of the Board of Education of this city nearly eight years, being president of the board a considerable part of the time, and was president of the first Board of Water Commissioners in Olean, during which administration the works were constructed.  He was appointed by Governor Cleveland a member of the Board of Directors of the State Insane Asylum at Buffalo and was re-appointed by Governor Hill.  Mr. IRISH is one of the directors of the Olean Electric Light and Power Company, was president of the Board of Trade and remains interested in the growth and advancement of the town.  He is now President of the Board of Health and one of the supervisors of the city.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 911

 

Surnames:  JACKSON, PERCIVAL, RAUB

 

Edward S. JACKSON, son of Dr. Thomas S and Sarah A. (PERCIVAL) JACKSON was born in Portville, Oct. 13, 1859, was educated in the public schools, commenced the study of dentistry in 1878, and was graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in Philadelphia in the spring of 1887.  He at once settled in Olean for the practice of his profession, where he is still engaged.  He is a member of the Eighth District Dental Society of the State of New York and a member and a steward of the First M. E. church of Olean.  June 5, 1881, he married Carrie M., daughter of Dr. L. M. RAUB, of Bolivar; children: Albert H. and Lewis E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 911

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, RUSSELL, FOLLETT, STONE, DUDLEY, MARTIN, HARMON, JACKSON

 

James G. JOHNSON, of English descent, came from Canandaigua to Olean (then known as Hamilton) in 1808 and commenced the first settlement within the corporate limits of the present city.  He was immediately joined by Sylvanus RUSSELL and Bibbins FOLLETT.  Mr. JOHNSON died early in 1811.  At his death his widow, whose maiden name was Sophia STONE, of Scotch parentage and on her mother’s side a descendant of the DUDLEY family, returned to her father’s house in Bloomfield, Ontario county where her son, James G. JOHNSON, who was given his father’s name, was born Sept. 13, 1811.  Mrs. JOHNSON remained with her father until 1819, when she returned to Olean.  About this time James G., Jr., commenced attending school, which he continued two years, after which his school days were limited to the winter season, and were discontinued when he reached the age of thirteen.  At the age of fourteen he left home and for eight months was clerk in a store at Centerville.  He then entered the store of Ebenezer Lockwood in Olean where he remained two years, when Mr. Lockwood discontinued business.  He was next a clerk with William Bagley.  In 1831 he entered the store of the late Judge Martin at a salary of $10 per month and board and washing.  Prior to this he had a stated salary with Osborne & Bockes a few months.  Young JOHNSON continued in the employ of Judge Martin five years, when he became a partner under the firm name of MARTIN & JOHNSON, which partner-ship was continued nine years.  In 1846 he removed to Allegany, where he had previously bought a tract of timber land and a saw-mill, and engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber and also carried on a mercantile business.  In company with Eleazar HARMON, of Ellicottville, he platted into lots and sold the grounds where the village of Allegany has since been built.  In 1854, with Gilbert Palen, he built and operated the sole-leather tannery afterward owned by the late J B. Strong.  In 1862, at the suggestion of the late Hon.E. Fenton, then member of Congress, he was commissioned by President Lincoln captain and assistant quartermaster, and assigned to duty in the Army of the Potomac.  He saw the battle of South Mountain and Antietam and was with the army under General McClellan and General Burnside in its march to Fredericksburg.  He was stationed at Aquia creek in the winter of 1863-64 and subsequently at Harrisburg, where he remained on duty until the close of the war.  For meritorious service he was promoted to the rank of colonel of volunteers.  He returned to Olean with his health impaired, but again established an extensive mercantile business, which he continued some years and resigned it to his sons.  He was active in the formation of the First National Bank of Olean, of which he was one of its directors.  He was convinced that Olean and Allegany were within the Bradford oil belt, and he so impressed others with his convictions that they, with him, formed a company and sunk the first oil wells in both these towns, on land leased by him to the company.  Colonel JOHNSON was first a Whig and an active worker in that party’s ranks.  He was nominated by his party in 1848 for the State Legislature and was elected.  His brother, Marcus H. JOHNSON, who was residing in the Second District of this county, was nominated the same year by the Democrats and elected over the Whig nominee.  In the fall of 1849 his party nominated and elected him county clerk.  In 1871 he was appointed postmaster of Olean and filled the position until 1877.  He was also supervisor of Olean in 1840, 1843, 1844, and 1845 and of Allegany in 1855.

 

Elisha M. JOHNSON, son of James G., was born June 13, 1844.  With his brother Marcus H., under the firm name of JOHNSON Brothers, carried on for many years an extensive grocery and produce trade.  Marcus H. died in 1876 and Elisha M. became an oil producer.  He was elected to the Legislature in 1880 and in 1883-84 was a member of the Republican State Committee.  Sept. 2, 1874, he married Cornelia Harriet JACKSON, of Avon, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 912

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, MASON

 

James F JOHNSON, a native of Lisle, N. Y., was born Nov. 3, 1831, was for three years succeeding 1851 a miner in California, and in 1855 located in Olean where he has been a justice of the peace about twenty years, conducting also an extensive real estate business  He was deputy sheriff six years.  In 1856 he married Mary E., daughter of Dr. John MASON, of Mercer, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 912

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, CARR

 

Julius P. JOHNSON was born March 18, 1847, in Darien, Genesee county, spent two years at and was graduated in 1863 from the Poughkeepsie Business College, and in 1868 located in Olean, where he has since followed the avocation of book-keeper, being also an expert accountant.  Aug. 18, 1868, he married Lodema E. CARR, of Byron, Genesee county.  Their daughter Nellie S. is a graduate of the Olean High School and a book-keeper by profession.  Mr. JOHNSON is a staunch Democrat.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 912

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, ROOT, RIDER, WARING, OOSTERHOUDT, LATIMER, GOODWIN

 

James M JOHNSON, son of James S. and Sarah (ROOT) JOHNSON, was born In Ellicottville, April 29, 1856, was educated in the Ellicottville Union Free School and by ex-District Attorney G. M. RIDER and District Attorney J. H. WARING, and was a clerk in the postoffice of his native town two years, after which he became assistant at Hinsdale.  Two years later he was employed in a general store in Franklinville.  In 1881 he formed a partnership with the late Samuel OOSTERHOUDT in the shoe business.  Mr. OOSTERHOUDT died in the fall of 1884, when Mr. JOHNSON sold to the estate of his partner.  He soon after purchased the store of L. LATIMER & Co. and has since continued the shoe business alone.  He is also interested with a partner in a similar store in Jamestown.  He is a member of the Board of Trade, and as a Republican has represented Olean in the county conventions and on the Republican Count Committee.  In Jan., 1884, be married Anna S., only child of N. S.  GOODWIN, of Olean.  They have two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 912

 

Surname:  KERR

 

Will J. KERR, a native of Liverpool, England, came to America in 1868 and to Olean in 1886, where, about 1888, he commenced the jewelry business, in which he has been eminently successful and maintains an excellent reputation.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 912

 

Surnames:  LEE, ALDRICH

 

M. L. LEE, youngest son of Lyman (see page 780), was born in Little ValIey, Feb.15, 1839, and has been in the employ of the Erie railroad over thirty years.  In the fall of 1860 he married Jane E., daughter of Stephen ALDRICH, of Little Valley, and Oct. 23. 1875, became station agent for the Erie at Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 912 & 913

 

Surnames:  LEWIS, WADE, HUNTLEY, HASTINGS

 

Stillman E. LEWIS, son of Caleb and Joanna (WADE) LEWIS, was born in Farmersville, Feb. 25, 1845.  His father became a settler there in 1832 and cleared a farm where he died in 1856.  Mrs. LEWIS died in 1861.  Stillman LEWIS received his education in the common schools and in the academy at Arcade.  In August 1863, he enlisted under Capt. G. Fred Potter in Co. C, 13th N. Y. H. M. A., and was promoted orderly to the regimental surgeon and later was hospital steward with headquarters at Portsmouth, Va.  He was discharged in July, 1865.  In 1869 he began the profession of dentistry in Cuba, N. Y., where he was in practice until 1876, when he went to Elmira and remained until 1877.  He came to Olean in 1878, where he has since practiced.  In 1871 he married Julia A. HUNTLEY, of Angelica, who died in 1873, being the mother of their son Stanley H.  In 1877 he married Jennie M. HASTINGS, of Cuba; children: Maud H. and Lina W.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 913

 

Surnames:  LITTLE, McVEY

 

John LITTLE was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1818, and. coming to America settled in Franklinville in 1843, where he held the office of postmaster from June, 1861, until his death Jan.27, 1886.  His son John was born there Jan. 1, 1847, and in the fall of 1882 was elected sheriff of the county, which caused his removal to Little Valley, and at the expiration of his term of office removed to Olean, where he was subsequently appointed under sheriff.  In 1870 he married a daughter of Hon. William McVEY.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 913

 

Surnames:  LOCKWOOD, HALL

 

Thomas LOCKWOOD came to Olean with his brother, Hon. Ebenezer LOCKWOOD, about 1806.  He was a lumberman and raftsman, and one of the prominent pioneers of the county.  He resided in Olean some thirty or forty years, and about 1850 removed to Hinsdale and settled on a farm on Olean creek, where he spent the remainder of his life.  He was supervisor of Olean from 1819 to 1822 inclusive.  His son, James M. LOCKWOOD, married Cora E. HALL.  He enlisted in the U. S. navy in 1864 and was discharged a year later.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 913

 

Surnames:  LUTHER, STEPHENSON

 

James H. LUTHER, born in North Scituate, R. I., June 27, 1826, came with his father Peleg to New Hartford, Oneida county, in 1828, but in 1847 returned to Providence, R. I., to complete his trade of machinist.  In 1865 he began the manufacture of oil tools in Petroleum Center, Pa., moved thence in 1872 to Karns City, Pa., and in 1880 came to Olean, where he established a foundry and machine shop under the firm name of J. H. LUTHER & Sons, the sons being George H. and Charles P.  Upon the death of the father the firm became J. H. LUTHER’s Sons and is now the LUTHER Manufacturing Company.  Mr. LUTHER married, in 1853, Mary A. STEPHENSON, of Ansonia, Conn.  The LUTHERs – father and sons – have been prominent in the material growth of Olean, particularly in the development of the fire department.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 913

 

Surnames:  MANDEVILLE, POMEROY, EASTMAN

 

William H. MANDEVILLE, son of John D. and Susan (POMEROY) MANDEVILLE, was born in Millport, N. Y., in 1841.  He spent his early boyhood in New York city and his youth in Belmont, N. Y., where he was educated.  After a clerkship in a general store of five years he began, in 1863, the business of fire insurance, which he has since continued.  In 1865, in company with his father, the senior member of the firm of J. D. MANDEVILLE & Son, he came to Olean and established the first agency of the kind in Cattaraugus county.  He has been a commissioned insurance agent a longer period than any other man in western New York.  He is now the senior member of the firm of W. H. MANDEVILLE & Co.  Since he came to Olean he has paid in losses to the insured more than $1,000,000.  Aug.22, 1872, he married Helen L. EASTMAN and has one son, born in Oct. 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 913 & 914

 

Surnames:  MAYER, GOODSELL, GREAR

 

Rudolph MAYER was born in 1827 in Baden Baden, Germany, where he early engaged in business as a butcher and dealer in meats.  He married A. GOODSELL, and in 1855 they came to America and joined his brother, Max MAYER, in Olean, who had preceded him four or five years.  He formed a partnership with his brother in a meat market, and about 1860 established a market of his own on Union street, where he was in business until the fire of Jan, 1865, when his market was destroyed.  He removed to State street in 1871 and continued in business until his death April 21, 1876.  Mr. MAYER was a pillar of the Catholic church and one of the foremost in aiding to build their church edifice.  Frederick C. MAYER, his son, succeeded his father in the meat market.   April 28, 1881, he married Anna GREAR, of Olean, and has three sons and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 914

 

Surnames:  McCORMICK, McCLOREY

 

John H. McCORMICK is a son of Peter McCORMICK, who came to Olean in 1850, followed farming, was well known throughout the county, and died here Aug. 13, 1888.  John H. was born in Olean, Sept.11, 1856, received a thorough business education, and May 28, 1884, married Maggie McCLOREY, of Franklinville.  He has been engaged in the wholesale wine and liquor business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 914

 

Surnames:  MELOY, WILLIAMS

 

John W. MELOY, born in Greeene, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1834, was educated at the Franklin and Binghamton Academies and entered the law office of Morris & Tompkins, where he remained until 1854, when his father removed to Ellicottville and engaged in mercantile business, where young MELOY assisted him until 1859, when us was employed in the banking office of Stanley Martin in Olean.  In June 1860, he married Frances J., daughter of Dr. Thomas J. WILLIAMS, of Ellicottville.  In 1863 he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Nashville, Decatur, and Stevenson lines of U.S. military railroads with headquarters at Nashville, Tenn.  Subsequently the Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Atlanta lines were added to his charge, and these were almost exclusively used in transporting troops and army supplies to General Sherman.  When the march from Atlanta to the sea was begun Mr. MELOY was called to assist in opening the railroads through North Carolina.  As soon as the war closed he returned home and was a short time in mercantile business in Jamestown.  Returning to Portville in 1865 he engaged in the grocery and provision trade and in buying and shipping lumber.  For a number of years he was also in the banking and exchange business.  Since 1883 he has had a grocery in Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 914

 

Surnames:  MOORE, JONES, STANTON, CHADWICK

 

George N. MOORE, son of Isaac and Mercy (JONES) MOORE, was born in Bucks county, Pa., Jan. 10, I827.  At the age of sixteen he left home and began to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner.  At the age of twenty-five he became a contractor and builder.  In 1854 he went to Minneapolis and prosecuted his business through the disadvantages of the year 1857.  In 1860 he returned to Bucks county, where he remained until 1865, when he settled in Oil City, where he was a contractor and builder and a dealer in lumber until 1879. He was then an oil producer in the Bradford fields and removed to Olean, where he has since resided.  Jan. 10, 1876, he married Kate C. STANTON, who was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Her paternal grandfather was Judge Samuel STANTON, of Wayne county, Pa.; her maternal grandfather was Elihu CHADWICK, of New Jersey, a colonel in the Revolution.  Children: Clarence Stanton, born March 19, 1877, and Eva May, born March 19, 1879.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 914 & 915

 

Surnames:  MOORE, GILLINGHAM

 

W. D. MOORE, a Canadian by birth, born May 1, 1847, in 1864 removed to St. Lawrence county and six years later to Weston’s Mills; in 1875 he came to Olean and engaged in building and contracting.  In 1881 he entered into partnership with Charles GILLINGHAM and established the Olean Sash and Blind Factory, which was continued until the buildings were destroyed by fire.  Mr. MOORE built the MOORE block in Union street and his factory in Wayne street in 1883.  In 1884, by the failure of other parties, he had a stock of furniture precipitated upon his hands, and since then has also conducted a large furniture trade.  He has been active in many suburban real estate transactions.  Mr. MOORE is a member of the Masonic bodies and has occupied every office in the fire department from pipeman to chief.  He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trade.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 915

 

Surnames:  NELSON, WATT, STEVENS, WILLIAMS

 

Alexander W. NELSON was born in Dunbar, Scotland, Feb. 14, 1852.  His parents, Walter and Elizabeth (WATT) NELSON, immigrated to America in 1857 and settled in Lockport, N. Y.  He was a farmer until he was eighteen, when he became a railroad employee and a conductor at the age of twenty, which he continued until 1889, when he settled in Olean, where he has since been proprietor of and conducted a steam laundry.  In 1880 he married Clara STEVENS, of Lockport, who died in 1886, being the mother of two children, of whom Clara W. is living.  In 1888 he married Jennie M. WILLIAMS, of Jackson, Mich.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 915

 

Surnames:  OAKLEAF, EATON, BICKFORD

 

Frank H. OAKLEAF was born in 1852 in Brooklyn, where his early life was spent, removing finally to Titusville, Pa., where he learned the jeweler’s trade.  Coming to Olean in 1874 he was for a number of years engaged in the jewelry business with Fred R. EATON, and subsequently became connected with the book and stationery trade, which he still follows, having added to it a line of wall papers and house decorating goods.  Mr. OAKLEAF is a member of the Board of Trade.  In 1882 he married Jennie V. BICKFORD, of Nashua, N. H.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 915

 

Surnames:  OOSTERHOUDT, REED, BRONSON, BROOKS, ALLEN, SMITH

 

Samuel OOSTERHOUDT, son of Zachariah and Polly (REED) OOSTERHOUDT, was born in Franklinville, March 28, 1813, and received his literary education in the common schools.  The family removed to Olean in 1817, where Mr. OOSTERHOUDT learned the blacksmith’s trade.  When about twenty-three he opened a shop in Olean and used the first money he earned to obtain a deed for his father and mother of the homestead farm.  Dec. 20, 1838, he married Mary, daughter of Samuel BRONSON and granddaughter of Cornelius BROOKS.  Mr. OOSTERHOUDT died Nov. 12, 1884;  Mrs. OOSTERHOUDT died June 16, 1890.  He followed his trade four years, when he changed to manufacturing and dealing in lumber, which grew to an immense business and required a small army of men.  He began a systematic course of building, erecting business blocks and residences, being the pioneer in that direction and probably doing more than any other in building up Olean.  He was a financier of more than ordinary ability and was a successful business man.  He was a Republican and served as sheriff, supervisor. town auditor, and assessor.  He possessed a harmonious character and was distinguished for his sterling integrity, his honorable dealing, and the modesty with which he bestowed a bountiful charity.  He was especially the advisor and friend of young men and set many on the road to prosperity.  Children:  two who died in infancy; Mary Alice (Mrs. H. G. ALLEN), born May 23, 1845; Samuel Francis, born Dec. 12, 1847; and Eva Elizabeth, born Nov. 15, 1852, married J. B. SMITH, a druggist, and has one son, Samuel E., born Sept. 24, 1879.  All reside in Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 915 & 916

 

Surnames:  OVERTON, CLYMER, WILMOT, MUDGE

 

Major G. B. OVERTON born in Athens, Pa., Jan. 9, 1825, was educated at Lafayette College and afterward studied law in his father’s office at Towanda Pa.  He was a lineal descendant of George CLYMER, one of the framers of the constitution of the United States and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Major OVERTON was for sixteen years in the service of the Bingham estate (of which he was an heir) and for eight years was sub-agent for the counties of Elk, Potter, and McKean Pa.  While holding this office he married Maria WILMOT, a sister of the Hon. David WILMOT, of Pennsylvania.  In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Convention at Chicago and voted for the nomination of Abraham Lincoln.  At the beginning of the Rebellion he was chosen captain of a company of the 1st Pa. Rifles (Bucktails).  Later he was appointed captain of tile 14th U. S. Inf., and served in the various battles of the Army of the Potomac.  While on the staff of Gen. George E. Sykes at Chancellorsviile Major OVERTON was wounded just above the knee by a canister ball.  After carrying the ball for twenty-five years it was extracted by Dr. MUDGE, of Olean, and was found to weigh over three ounces.  Major OVERTON held three commissions – captain, brevet major, and Iieutenant-colonel.  Soon after the war he resigned his commission in the army, and in 1869 was appointed receiver of the Utah Land District.  After holding this office eight years he was tendered the position of register in the land office at Fair Play, Col., which he declined, and returned east.  In 1880 he came to Clean, where he has since resided.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 916

 

Surnames:  PAGE, BRETT

 

Wilson R. PAGE is a son of Rufus L. PAGE (deceased), for thirty-five years a respected resident of Olean, and was born here Dec. 29; 1854.  Obtaining his education at Andover and Yale he married, Feb.21, 1881, Nellie F. BRETT, of Olean, and was appointed postmaster by President Arthur and re-appointed by President Harrison.  Mr. PAGE is an energetic, public spirited citizen, a thorough business man, and a prominent factor in local politics.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 916

 

Surnames:  PARKER, BROOKS, BURLINGAME, BARTLETT, VAN VALKENBURG, LOTT, NELSON, RANDALL, FARR

 

Erastus PARKER. son of Robert and Betsey (BROOKS) PARKER, was born in Orleans county, Vt., Aug. 16, 1807.  His father was a Revolutionary soldier.  His mother died in Essex, Vt., and in 1813 the family settled in Clinton county, N. Y.  At the age of seventeen he went to Ohio and subsequently to Michigan, Indiana, and Chautauqua county, N. Y.  In 1848 he removed with his family to Olean and settled on the south bank of the Allegheny, where he still resides.  Aided by his sons John B. and Allen he also bought with his son-in-law, Asa F. BURLINGAME, a tract of timber land and they were quite extensive lumbermen.  Mr. PARKER is a Republican and has been for fifteen years overseer of the poor.  Aug. 31, 1828, he married Marra BARTLETT in Michigan.  She was born in New Hampshire, March 27, 1808.  Children:  Emeline (Mrs. Asa BURLINGAME);  John B., born July 26, 1832, married, in Jan., 1859, Sarah N. VAN VALKENBURG, of Olean, and has five sons and a daughter; Allen (deceased), born March 22, 1834, married Emma LOTT (deceased), and had a son and two daughters; Laura, born April 2, 1836, the widow of John NELSON; Alinda (Mrs. Addie RANDALL);  Electa, born Aug. 1, 1843, married Wm. FARR.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 916

 

Surnames:  PENFIELD, RUSSELL

 

William Walter PENFIELD, born in Portland, Conn., March 19, 1796, married Permelia L. H. RUSSELL, April 10, 1817, who was born in Canajoharie, N. Y., March 14, 1799.  They settled in Allegany county, where he was a farmer and tanner with his wife’s father, Samuel M. RUSSELL, until 1827, when he removed to Olean, where he built and conducted a tannery (the first permanent one in the place).  He manufactured both sole and upper leather and conducted a large shoe shop, and employed about fifteen men.  He was the landlord of the Olean House at the time of the construction of the Genesee Valley canal.  He was always a Democrat and in religion a steadfast Episcopalian.  He was one of the organizers of St. Stephen’s church and for years one of its vestrymen.  He died Oct. 10, 1873.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 916

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, McCLUER, BOARDMAN

 

William B. PIERCE, who was born in Fabius, Onondaga county, April 16, 1824, came to Olean in 1848 and followed his trade of carpenter and builder for a number of years, and in 1856 engaged in the grocery business.  He subsequently became a dealer in coal, lime, etc, and at one time was one of the oldest business men in town.  Feb. 11, 1850,  Mr. PIERCE married Eveline L. McCLUER of Olean, a niece of O. P. BOARDMAN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 917

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, FOLLETT

 

Ormel W. PIERCE was born in Machias, Feb. 9, 1866.  His father, John S. PIERCE, was a native of Franklinville, of which town his grandfather, William PIERCE, was an early settler and an extensive land proprietor.  Ormel W. PIERCE came to Olean in 1887 and established business as a manufacturer of galvanized iron cornice, making the first goods in this line in Cattaraugus county.  Dec. 22, 1887, Mr. PIERCE married Margaret, daughter of William FOLLETT, of Machias.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 917

 

Surnames:  PRATT, HOSLEY

 

John W. PRATT, son of Aaron S. PRATT, a native of Vermont, was born in Edwards, St. Lawrence county, April 14, 1849.  He completed his education at Friendship Academy and taught the village schools of Bolivar and Little Genesee six consecutive terms.  His home was then in Bolivar, to which place his parents had removed in 1866.  At a competitive examination in the fall of 1872 he received the State free scholarship at Cornell University and entered that institution, but the change from active labor to a student’s life brought on illness and he was obliged to abandon a collegiate course.  Since the spring of 1878 he has resided in Olean, where he has been engaged in the grocery trade.  He has been a member of the Methodist church since 1879 and Sunday school superintendent, trustee, and treasurer several years.  He was a member of the school board three years.  While treasurer of his church he collected and paid the large debt on the edifice.  Aug.27, 1879, he married Elnora I. HOSLEY, of Olean, and has two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 917

 

Surnames:  REPP, WOLFINGER, HART

 

Charles F. REPP, son of Frederick and Elizabeth (WOLFINGER) REPP, was born in Scranton, Pa., June 6, 1866.  In 1886 he was traveling agent for the Grand Union Tea Company, and in 1887 settled in Olean and opened a retail store for the sale of that company’s goods.  In the few years Mr. REPP has resided in Olean he has gained a high reputation.  In 1891 he married Martha HART, of Williamsport, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 917

 

Surnames:  RILEY, WANDS

 

The firm of RILEY & WANDS (Millard F. RILEY and Charles R. WANDS) is one energetically engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery trade.  Both members have served long in mercantile pursuits.  The retail store was established in 1882 and the wholesale in 1887.  They have been largely interested In Olean real estate, and in all their enterprises have been signally successful.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 917

 

Surnames:  SHAFFER, BROWN

 

Charles A. SHAFFER was born in Cuba, N. Y., Oct. 9, 1851.  In March, 1878, he came to Olean and a year later was appointed by the village council a policeman.  He was promoted chief in March, 1887, and still holds that position, having won the promotion by arresting the famous John L. Sullivan in Olean.  May 12, 1870, he married Emily P. BROWN, of Hinsdale;  children:  Belle and Joseph Francis.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 917

 

Surnames:  SHANBUCHER, HERRING

 

Jacob H. SHANBUCHER was born in Liberty, Pa., March 22, 1843, spent the early part of his life with his father in farming and lumbering, and at the outbreak of the Rebellion enlisted in the 207th Pa. Vols. as second lieutenant, being mustered out as first lieutenant at the close of the war.  He apprenticed himself to the trade of harness making and in 1865 located at Williamsport, Pa.,  where he was a clothier and merchant tailor.  In 1874 he commenced keeping hotel in Olean – the Option House.  In 1868 he married Sarah A. HERRING of Brooklyn.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 917 & 918

 

Surnames:  SHEPARD, THRALL, HINMAN, STRONG, BUTT, RICE, HASTINGS

 

William SHEPARD was born April 7, 1773.  He came to Olean with his brother-in-law, Willis THRALL, and the two purchased quite a tract of wild land on both sides of Olean creek.  He married Elizabeth HINMAN.  Children:  Olean the first white child born in the town, May 22, 1807;  and William B., born Oct 21, 1808.  Mr. SHEPARD died Sept.21, 1809.  Mrs. SHEPARD married Jedediah STRONG, who died June 25, 1828;  Mrs. STRONG died Oct. 4, 1830.  Olean and William B. SHEPARD were married simultaneously in the old school house in their district Feb. 11, 1833:  Olean married Rev. William BUTT, a Methodist clergyman, and William B. married Miss Sophia RICE, of Cortland county, and remained on the homestead, where he died Dec. 30, 1883.  At an early age he was an Allegheny river pilot and made many trips to Pittsburgh.  Mr. SHEPARD was a prominent citizen.  He was early identified with the military interests of Olean and was commissioned captain.  He was an active Methodist, of which church he was many years a member and trustee.  He was a Whig and a Republican at the organization of that party.  His children are Sarah, born Aug. 5, 1835, married Henry HASTINGS, Sept. 20, 1855; Ellen; Mary; and William E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 918

 

Surname:  SIMPSON

 

W. H. SIMPSON was born in Pittsburgh, Pa.  His early life was spent in Buffalo, where he learned the plumbing business, with particular reference to sanitation.  He came to Olean in 1879 and established business, which increased as the town grew, and in which he has been very successful.   He has been an active man in town affairs, was excise commissioner one term, an officer of the fire department nine years, and was four years its chief engineer.  The present efficiency of the department is largely due to Mr. SIMPSON’s efforts and he still takes an active interest in the affairs of the firemen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 918

 

Surnames:  SLOANE, HOTTON

 

John SLOANE was born in Pilltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland, Aug. 6, 1852.  Until nearly eighteen years of age he attended the National school of his native village and after that was employed in the office of Malcomson Brothers, the great linen and cotton manufacturers having mills at Belfast, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, and Portlaw.  He remained with them about two years, when he resigned and came to America, thus realizing the ambition of his boyhood to visit the New World.  He arrived in New York city July 11, 1872.  From there he went to Buffalo, where he resided five and a half years, during which time he was employed at Dun & Co.’s Mercantile Agency and later at the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern freight office.  In Aug., 1879, he came to Olean as assistant to the agent of the Western New York & Pennsylvania railroad.  In 1880 he was appointed agent at Port Allegany, Pa., but becoming dissatisfied with railroad business and the position he then occupied he resigned and returned to Olean, where he has since resided.  His first employment was in the Acme Milling Company as book-keeper, where he remained six years.  He then entered into partnership with Nicholas HOTTON, of Portville, and built the Empire Feed-Mills at North Olean, which he operated three years and sold to the Acme Milling Company.  Since then he has been engaged in the wholesale grain and mill-feed business.  His industry has been untiring and his ambition to make the most of his opportunities has placed him at the forefront of every enterprise in which he has taken a hand.  If he could not succeed in one undertaking he would not hesitate to accept the inevitable and to push on to something better, until now he is a recognized representative of the progressive business interests of this city.  He has been active in many other departments.  In St. Stephen’s church, of which for eight years he has been a warden, his services as lay-reader, superintendent of the Sunday school, secretary of the Guild, and a member of many important committees of the vestry have been invaluable.  He is a member of various societies and orders, in all of which he has held high positions;  Master of Olean Lodge, No.252, F. & A. M.; high priest of Olean Chapter, No.150, Royal Arch Masons; prelate of St. John’s Commandery, No. 24,  K. T.; and deputy district grand master of the counties of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua; in the A. O. U. W. and Knights of Honor his voice is often heard upon important occasions when wit, wisdom, and eloquence are required to arouse the interest and enthusiasm of an audience.  After a recent visit to Ireland he delivered an instructive lecture upon the old country, and while in Ireland he enlightened his countrymen by lecturing upon the institutions of America.  He has sympathized with the struggles of the Home Rule party in his native land, and on one occasion he had the honor to address the constituency of its late distinguished leader, Mr. Parnell, in company with the latter.  He is a Republican and chairman of the executive committee of the local organization.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 919

 

Surnames:  SMITH, OOSTEROUDT

 

John B. SMITH was born in Pike, Wyoming county, and in early life went to Wisconsin, where his youth was spent in school and in learning the printer’s trade.  For two years he was a salesman in the establishment of Marshall, Field & Co. in Chicago, and subsequently engaged in the dry goods business in Rockford, Ill.  Mr. SMITH served one year on the village Board of Trustees, and has taken an active interest in every progressive public movement.  He was for a time editorially connected with the Olean Record;  he is now engaged in the drug business.  Sept. 19, 1877, he married Eva E., daughter of Samuel OOSTEROUDT, and has one son, Samuel E, born Sept.14, 1879.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 919

 

Surnames:  SMITH, PAGE

 

David L. SMITH was born in Cameron, N. Y,  May 1, 1835, and came to Olean in 1865, engaging in the business of harness making, which he still follows.  Sept. 1, 1861 he enlisted in the 1st N. Y. Light Artillery and was mustered out as first lieutenant June 23, 1865.  Oct. 7, 1867, he married Emma M., daughter of the late Rufus L. PAGE, of Olean.  Mr. SMITH speaks with some pride of his participation in Sherman’s march to the sea and earned his commission as lieutenant for brave and heroic service on April 9, 1862, near Warwick Court House, Va.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 919

 

Surname:  SMITH

 

Norman M.  SMITH is a son of Julius R. SMITH, whose father, Dr. Norman, came to Olean about 1814 (see Medical Chapter), and whose only descendants residing here are the son above named and Adeline P.  Norman M. was born in Olean, Feb. 29, 1856, and for some time has been transfer agent for the American Express Company.  The family has been prominent in Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 919

 

Surnames:  STOWELL, BUTLER

 

Calvin S. STOWELL was born at Friendship, N. Y.,  April 11, 1844, where he received his education and lived until 1864, when he came to Olean as clerk for the late N. S. BUTLER, and has since resided here with the exception of two years spent in the lower oil fields during the oil excitement of ‘66.  He was under sheriff and followed mercantile pursuits until he accepted the tellership of the Exchange National Bank, which position he held six years.  Mr. STOWELL was supervisor of Olean in 1873-74 and for five years subsequent to 1881, resigning the position to accept the office of postmaster tendered him by President Cleveland.  He served his town with fidelity and was honored with the appointment as a member of the commission to purchase the armory site and to audit the accounts of the county superintendent.  He is a member and has at various times presided over all the Masonic bodies.  Mr. STOWELL is a Democrat and a prominent member of the Board of Trade.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 919

 

Surnames:  TARBELL, WILDER

 

Fred R. TARBELL, son of Dana O. and Frances M. (WILDER) TARBELL, of New England origin, was born in Farmersville, Dec.20, 1863, and received his education in Ten Broeck Free Academy.  His father was a farmer and now resides in Olean.  Fred R. became a telegraph operator at the age of fourteen and has followed that avocation to the present time.  He now has charge of the office of the Postal Cable Telegraph Company at Olean.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 920

 

Surnames:  TAYLOR, DEMMING

 

B. U. TAYLOR, son of the late Rev. Alexander TAYLOR, a noted and well-known Baptist clergyman, was born in Maine, September 11, 1854, and in his early manhood served three years as apprentice with Rumery, Maxwell & Grant, one of the largest manufacturing firms in Boston, Mass., during which time he received instructions under Prof. DEMMING in the special branches relating to his line of business.  He is one of the leading contractors and builders of Olean, and has given special attention to the setting of boilers, being a known authority on all matters pertaining to boiler setting, and has made also a special study to so construct an oven that it would successfully burn wet tan-bark and sawdust.  Nearly every tannery company in this section of country can testify to the able and efficient manner in which he has succeeded in this special branch of business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 920

 

Surnames:  THYNG, GILMAN, PATCH, ROSE, LEONARD

 

Frank P. THYNG, a native of Perry, N. Y, was born Aug. 9, 1820.  His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (GILMAN) THYNG, were born in New Hampshire and were pioneers on Silver hill in Perry.  They had eleven children, of whom Frank P.  was the youngest.  Sept. 7, 1848, he married Sarah E., daughter of Uriah and Sarah (PATCH) ROSE, of Centerville.  Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and her grandfather served in the Revolution.  They settled on a farm in Centerville and in 1852 removed to Olean, where he was a general merchant until Aug., 1862, when he was burned out.  He then began a trade in oil operators’ supplies.  He built flat-boats, loaded them with farm produce and supplies, and floated them down the Allegheny river to the first oil field in the vicinity of Oil City.  He was an oil operator and dealer and bought and sold oil wells.  Mr. THYNG is a Republican.  His children are:  Eugenia, born Aug. 9, 1849, married Rev. T. S. LEONARD, a Baptist clergyman; Elmont W., born in March, 1854, died aged nineteen; and Capt. Culver G., born Dec. 25, 1857.

 

Capt. C. G. THYNG, born the last week of 1857, is a native of Olean.  He was early thrown upon his own resources, and his great energy, activity, and venturesome spirit carried him into the stirring life of the oil country at the age of fourteen.  There he was successively a pumper, tool-dresser, gauger, well-driller, torpedoer, and scout.  He was in the employ of the Bradford Oil Company in 1876-78.  In 1879 be was correspondent for several newspapers and was also engaged in the torpedo business.  He was in the oil-well supply trade from 1881 to 1883,  also an oil operater.  In 1883 he became the head of the firm of C. G. THYNG & Co., oil producers.  Captain THYNG is still an oil producer and now has a third-interest in a mining company with a capital of $1,000,000  which is operating in North Carolina.  He is a member of the Board of Trade and captain of the 43d Separate Company N. G. S. N. Y. of Olean, having served as such since its organization, March 17, 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 920

 

Surnames:  TROY, CHAMBERLIN

 

Edward TROY, born in Olean, March 13, 1853, received his education in the public schools and, began business as bookkeeper and superintendent for the CHAMBERLIN Manufacturing Company in 1881.  Since March, 1890, he has been a member of the company and is its business manager.  This concern is still engaged in the manufacture of the celebrated CHAMBERLIN screw stump-puller.  Mr. TROY is a Republican.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 920 & 921

 

Surname:  TURNER

 

Charles Edgar TURNER was born in Buffalo, N. Y., May 23, 1849.  He was educated in the public schools and at the age of sixteen began the trade of machinist, after acquiring which he became a fireman and afterward a locomotive engineer, which he followed until 1877, when he came to Olean and took charge of the mechanical department of the O. B. W. narrow gauge railroad, then in construction.  He is now the master mechanic of the Olean shops of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Company.  Mr. TURNER was elected president of the village in 1888 and held the position two consecutive terms.  At the organization of the city he was elected mayor.  He is president of the Olean branch of the National Loan Association and a member of the Masonic orders up to the commandery.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 921

 

Surnames:  VAN CAMPEN, SAUNDERS, KING

 

Hon. George VAN CAMPEN descended from ancient and distinguished Holland ancestry, many of whom served their country in military and educational capacities.  John Aerensen VAN CAMPEN, farmer,  the first of the name to come to America, settled in New York (then Amsterdam) in the year 1658 and was soon followed by others of his family.  By 1750 several descendants lived in this State, in New Jersey, in Pennsylvania, and in Delaware, and all became more or less prominent, especially as Indian fighters.  Cornelius VAN CAMPEN was killed by the Indians on his farm in Pennsylvania.  Of his six sons and four daughters was Benjamin, the father of George.  George VAN CAMPEN was born Nov.13, 1817.  His maternal grandfather, George SAUNDERS, and .great-grandfather, Hezekiah SAUNDERS, both served in the Revolution.  From about 1836 until 1843 he conducted the postal service his father had organized in parts of Allegany, Steuben, and Livingston counties in 1826, and Dec. 25, 1843, identified himself in mercantile business in Randolph.  In 1851 he exchanged his real estate for timber lands in Allegany, whither he removed March 1, 1869.  He came to Olean, where he immediately became identified with the business and social interests.  Aug. 4. 1847, he married Sophia T., daughter of Anson and Sophia KING; children: James King, born in 1851; George, Jr., born in 1854; Benjamin, born in 1866; Josephine Maria, born in 1868 and four daughters who died early.  In 1863 Mr. VAN CAMPEN was appointed special consul to Liege, Belgium, and in 1867 was elected a member of the constitutional convention.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 921

 

Surnames:  WEBER, HEMSTREET, FERRIN, GREEN

 

Blanchard B. WEBER is a son of Matthew and Betsy (HEMSTREET) WEBER and was born in Ashford, April 16, 1848.  Educated in the public schools and in Griffith Institute in Springville, N. Y., he entered the office of the Cattaraugus Republican in 1871 as assistant business manager and learned also the trade of printer.  Jan. I, 1873, he purchased of his brother-in-law, A W. FERRIN, a half-interest in that newspaper (see page 96), with whom and with which he has since been associated.  Dec. 1, 1887, with A. W. FERRIN and S. C. GREEN, he became connected with the publication of the Olean Times, the firm being  S. C. GREEN & Co, but since Feb., 1891, it has been styled FERRIN & WEBER.  In all his newspaper enterprises Mr. WEBER has acted mainly in a business capacity, and to his excellent judgment and shrewd management is largely due the fact that each has proven comparatively successful.  He is an active member of the Congregational church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 921

 

Surnames:  WHITNEY, WILDER

 

Christopher WHITNEY was a descendant of three brothers WHITNEY who came to America in 1749 and settled at Southold, L. I., whence, in 1765, he moved to Norwalk, Conn.  He moved to Tinmouth, Vt., about 1781, where his son Christopher, Jr, was born Nov.12, 1782, and married Rhoda WILDER.  They moved to Locke, N. Y., about 1805, and thence to Homer, N. Y., about 1881, where he resided until 1826 or 1827, when he moved to Hinsdale, where he was a farmer.  After some years spent in Hinsdale and Allegany he moved to Olean about 1839.  He was justice of the peace over twenty years.  He died in 1866 in Allegany.  He had twelve children, of whom Olive, Noah, Rufus, and John are living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 922

 

Surnames:  WHITNEY, SMITH

 

Russell M. WHITNEY, second son of Dr. Lambert WHITNEY, was born in Olean, April 6, I838.  With the exception of seven years in the U. S. army his life has been spent in Olean.  In June, 1857, he married Lydia S. SMITH, of Northampton, N. Y.  He is an extensive manufacturer of wagon hubs.  Like his father Mr. WHITNEY is a respected citizen and prominent in political affairs.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 922

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, GRIFFITH, WEAVER

 

Henry WILLIAMS, son of George and Catherine (GRIFFITH) WILLIAMS, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in Sept., 1853.  He received an academic education and taught three terms of district school.  At the age of twenty he became a dealer in musical instruments in Scio, N. Y.  In 1882 he settled in Olean, where he has since continued his trade, having added to it the sale of sewing machines.  Mr. WILLIAMS married, in September, 1880 Emma, daughter of his partner, Henry WEAVER, who was associated with him until he died in March, 1889.  They have four sons.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 922

 

Surnames:  WINTERS, PIERCE

 

George L. WINTERS, son of Alonzo, was born in Tecumseh, Mich., April 13, 1838, started in life as a school teacher, and upon the breaking out of the war enlisted in Co. C, 154th N. Y. Vols.  For meritorious service he rose rapidly to the rank of captain and was wounded in the arm at Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner and subsequently had his arm amputated by a Confederate surgeon.  March 1, 1865, he married Margaret Z. daughter of John and Mary PIERCE, of Ischua, who survived him.  Mr. WINTERS was elected sheriff of Cattaraugus county in 1876 and made a most efficient officer.  He was always a Republican and a highly respected citizen, and was influential in political affairs in county, district, and State.  He studied law and was admitted to the bar, but on account of ill-health never practiced his profession.  Mr. WINTERS died in Olean, June 8, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 922

 

Surnames:  WOOD, DICKINSON, SMITH

 

George Nathan WOOD was born in Starkey, Yates county, Nov.11, 1857, and died in Olean, Sept. 25, 1887.  He was the eldest son of Elisha WOOD.  When ten years of age his parents moved with their family to Burlingame, Kan., where young WOOD resided until 1876, when he came to Olean and entered the Times printing office, then owned by his uncle, George DICKINSON.  In April, 1883, Mr. WOOD became business manager of the Times, which was then owned and conducted by a stock company, and through his individual efforts the paper was placed on a substantial business basis.  In Sept., 1884, he purchased the plant and became editor and proprietor, and almost immediately acquired a high rank among the inland journalists of the State.  Mr. WOOD was conscientious, enterprising, progressive, and careful; as a citizen he was public spirited and closely identified with the material prosperity of Olean, giving to every beneficial enterprise a hearty and unstinted support, but scathingly rebuked all corrupt schemes for personal or political aggrandizement.  Though he died scarcely thirty years of age he had acquired a reputation and a character as an honorable, upright man, as a kind friend and neighbor, as an exemplary son, husband, and father that is seldom equaled.  Aug.25, 1880,  Mr. WOOD married Nellie B., daughter of J. H. SMITH, of Randolph and subsequently of Olean, who bore him three daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 922

 

Surname:  WOOD

 

Willard C. WOOD, of the firm of W. C. WOOD & Co.,  job printers, was born in Starkey, Yates county, in 1867.  He learned the printing business of his brother, George N. WOOD, late editor and proprietor of the Olean Times.  He was employed after the latter’s decease in the Times’ office until the spring of 1891.  April 10, 1891, he opened his job-printing establishment on Union street, where he executes job, book, commercial, and law printing.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Pages 922 & 912

 

Surnames:  WRIGHT, STULL

 

William A. WRIGHT was born in Eldred, Pa., in 1842 and came to Olean in 1889, where he has since been a dealer in hay, grain, carriages, and agricultural implements.  He married Orsevelle STULL and has had born to him three children, Fred C.,  Walter W (deceased), and Bertha.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 923

 

Surnames:  YARD, BUOY

 

John W. YARD, a native of Irwin, Pa., was born Sept. 15, 1835, came to this place in 1879, and has been eminently successful in his profession of architect and builder.  May 26, 1870, he married Sarah C. BUOY, of Milton, Pa., who was born Sept. 18, 1838, and their children are James B., born March, 14, 1871; William H., born June 7, 1872;  Grace, born Dec. 24, 1874; and Blanche, born Dec. 14, 1878.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Olean – Chapter XXXIX (39)

Page 923

 

Surname:  YOUNG

 

Peter A. YOUNG, born in Rathboneville, Steuben county, April 9, 1851, located in Bradford, Pa., in 1876, and engaged in the business of producing oil.  In 1881 he removed to Olean and established himself as a wholesale dealer in wines and liquors, retaining his oil interests, however, until 1884.

 

 

TOWN OF OTTO

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 931

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, BURKE, GIBSON, BROWN, POOL, FRENCH, McCOY

 

Constant B. ALLEN was born in Locke, N.Y., Sept. 2, 1805.  His ancestry is traced back seven or eight generations to the early settlement of New England, where they immigrated from Wales.  Both his grandfathers were active participants with the Green Mountain Boys at the time of Burgoyne's invasion, Captain Constant Barney, his maternal grandfather, being one of four rangers who multiplied themselves into as many platoons and stationing themselves on either side of the road during the night intercepted a hand of seventeen tories on their way to join Burgoyne, compelling them to surrender.  His father, Hon. Dan ALLEN, was born June 30, 1780, and in young manhood left his native State (Vermont), settling in Cayuga county, N. Y., whence in 1813 he moved to the then wilderness in the north part of the town of Persia (q. v.).  He was the father of thirteen children, Constant B. being the oldest and at the time of his arrival in this county seven years of age.  At the age of nineteen he had obtained an education enabling him to teach school, which occupation he followed two years.  Also about this time he attended two terms in academic schools.  It was his purpose to follow the legal profession, but after reading law with Albert G. BURKE, Esq., of Gowanda, some months, he was, on account of failing eyesight, compelled to relinquish that design.  In 1833 he came to Otto and for twenty years carried on a successful mercantile trade, engaging also quite extensively in the manufacture of pearlash.  In 1841 he purchased the Otto woolen-mills and carried on the manufacture of woolen goods till 1867, part of the time in company with D. F. GIBSON.  In 1867 their mill was burned and Mr. ALLEN retired from active business life, except to look after his estate, consisting of several dairy farms.  In Feb., 1836, he married Miss B. C. BROWN, who died in Jan., 1844; children: Col. Dan B. ALLEN, of the 154th N. Y. Vols., and Esther (Mrs. S. V. POOL).  In Nov., 1852, Mr. ALLEN married S. Ann FRENCH.  Mr. ALLEN was a man of decided convictions and an ardent supporter of the anti-slavery and temperance causes.  He died Oct.11, 1883.

 

Col. Dan B. ALLEN (see also page 370), in July and Aug., 1862, raised a company in the 154th N. Y. Vol. Inf. and was mustered into the U. S. service at Jamestown, Sept. 26th, as captain of Co. B.  In Feb., 1863, he was promoted major and in June, 1863, became lieutenant-colonel.  He was engaged in the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, and Peach Tree Creek, and in the siege of Atlanta.  He was taken sick at Atlanta and sent to the hospital, and resigned his commission on account of illness in Oct., 1864.  For gallantry at Gettysburg he was brevetted colonel.  Sept. 9, 1878, he married Louisa McCOY, of Ellicottville, and has resided in Otto for the last fifteen years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 931 & 932

 

Surnames:  AUST, KERN

 

Peter AUST was born in Eden, Erie county, Nov. 21, 1844.  His father, Nicholas AUST, came from Lottringen, France, about 1833, and bought of a pretended land company in Buffalo a piece of wild land in Eden, for which he had to go to Batavia and pay for the second time.  Peter's education was mostly in the German language.  In 1866 he came to Otto.  For sixteen years he was engaged in farming and has for ten years kept a meat market in the village.  He married, in 1869, Mary, daughter of John KERN, of Eden.  They have four sons and one daughter.  The oldest son, William, has been town clerk.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 932

 

Surnames:  AUSTIN, INGRAHAM, BOTSFORD

 

James AUSTIN was born in Washington county, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1811.  In 1820 his father, Benjamin AUSTIN, started for the Holland purchase with a span of horses and wagon, his wife, seven sons, a sister of his wife, and his household goods.  He arrived in Otto on Dec. 5th and located on a farm near the center of the town, which is now owned by his grandson, Levi AUSTIN.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died in 1852.  But two of the seven sons who came to Otto in 1820 are living.  James, the only one residing in town, has always lived here.  Jan. 15, 1835, he married Hannah, daughter of Peter INGRAHAM.  Children: Cornelia A. (Mrs. Lucien BOTSFORD), of Wisconsin; Benjamin, of New Albion; John, of Ohio; and Phineas, who enlisted in Co. K, 64th N. Y. Vols., while a lad, and at Spotsylvania, May 12, 1864, was wounded in the hip, from the effects of which he died ten days later in Army Square hospital, Washington.  They have living with them a grandson, Simeon AUSTIN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 932

 

Surnames:  BAILEY, CORNING, POPPLE, BURROUGHS, WRIGHT

 

Isaac D. BAILEY was born in Persia, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1820.  His father, Asa BAILEY, came to that town in 1812.  The mother of Isaac D. died when he was quite young, and when ten years old he came to Otto to live with Captain CORNING and this town has ever since been his home.  He married, in 1844, Rachel POPPLE, and in 1851 took up his residence in the village, being by trade a carpenter.  Mr. BAILEY's house stood in the path of the great tornado of May 30, 1860.  He was away.  Mrs. BAILEY saw the storm approaching, and at the same time four or five of the neighbor's children going home from school rushed into the house.  She got them and two of her own children into the cellar just as the cyclone struck the dwelling, lifting it from its foundations and carrying Mrs. BAILEY and her youngest child with it several rods, where the house was dashed to pieces, but Mrs. BAILEY and her child escaped with slight injuries.  Mr. BAILEY's pocket-book containing, among other things, one twenty and one one-dollar gold piece was in a pocket of a coat hanging in the house.  After the storm had passed some neighbors in looking over the ruins found the pocket-book on the ground with its contents intact except the gold pieces.  There was a hole in the pocket-book, as smooth as though cut by a knife, where the gold had evidently escaped.  In the spring of 1871, eleven years afterward, Mr. BAILEY was passing over the ground where his furniture had been scattered, when, to his astonishment, he saw the edge of his twenty-dollar piece peeping out of the ground.  Mr. BAILEY rebuilt on the old foundation the house in which he still resides.  Mrs. BAILEY died April 4, 1874, and Dec. 30th of the same year he married Mrs. Lucinda E. BURROUGHS.  By his first wife he had one daughter, Mrs. Sarah WRIGHT, of Kenyonville, N. Y., and one son, Albert H. BAILEY, of Mt. Jewett, Pa.  Mrs. BAILEY has one daughter by her first husband.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 932 & 933

 

Surnames:  BARBER, PARKINSON

 

James Myron BARBER was born in Palmyra, N. Y., April 10, 1823.  In June of the same year his father, James BARBER, started with a yoke of oxen and wagon, his wife, two young daughters, and son James M. for the Holland purchase.  He came by way of Buffalo and thence through the Cattaraugus Indian reservation, camping on the reservation by their wagon one night.  In the morning the oxen had strayed away and while the husband was hunting for them the wife was nearly distracted with fear, as the Indians and squaws gathered around the wagon, examining its contents, and talking and gesticulating in their strange manner about her "little papoose."  They arrived in Otto safely and settled on the farm on which James M. now lives.  Mrs. BARBER, on one occasion, left her little girls in their log house, which had for a door simply a blanket, while she ran through the woods to a neighbors.  On her return she saw a large bear leaving the house, but found her children unharmed.  In 1848 James M. married Nancy PARKINSON, and has had three sons and two daughters, of whom two daughters and one son are deceased.  Mr. BARBER has served as highway commissioner twenty-three years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 933

 

Surnames:  BARTLETT, BENEDICT

 

Nelson BARTLETT, one of a family of two sons and six daughters born to Dexter BARTLETT, was born in Rutland, Vt., June 28, 1813.  Dexter BARTLETT with his family left Vermont in 1825, coming to Buffalo on the first boat which came through after the canal was finished.  The BARTLETT family are conspicuous in the annals of American history.  Josiah BARTLETT was the second name signed to the Declaration of Independence, and from the family to which he belonged have descended the numerous race of BARTLETTs scattered throughout the Union.  They hold annual family reunions, two or three having been held in the neighboring town of Collins, where quite a number of the descendants reside.  On these occasions hundreds are assembled together and interesting reminiscences related.  Nelson BARTLETT was but twelve years old when his father settled in Otto and he well remembers the privations the early settlers underwent.  In 1838 he bought an article of twenty-five acres of land in the western part of the town, which he still owns, and which is now increased to a farm of 276 acres.  That same year he married Aroline, daughter of Davis BENEDICT, another of the pioneers who came into the town in 1822.  They have three sons and one daughter, all married.  One son, Judson C., was in the 64th N. Y. Vols. three years.  In I870 he bought a pleasant residence in Otto village.  He has served his town as an officer in the past and was again elected an assessor for three years in Feb., 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 933

 

Surnames:  BOTSFORD, BARTLETT, KING, COMSTOCK, BALLARD, SHERMAN, TAFFT

 

Marvin S. BOTSFORD was born in Burlington, Conn., Aug. 5, 1818.  His father, Daniel BOTSFORD, was born in 1782 and in 1825 moved to Otto, his family then consisting of his wife, three sons, and three daughters.  He made the long journey from Connecticut with a horse and wagon, property at that time seldom seen in Otto.  He inherited the vigor and hardihood of his Revolutionary sires and died aged nearly ninety-three.  He was for many years a prominent member of the M. E. church in Otto.  Marvin S. BOTSFORD was educated in the district schools and has always followed farming, buying seventy-five acres of land in the northwest part of the town when twenty-two years old.  To this he has since added till he now has a farm of 222 acres.  He married, first, Hannah BARTLETT, who died five years after.  March 29, 1853, he married, second, Mrs. Phebe Irish KING.  In 1868 he purchased twenty acres of land about half a mile north of Otto village and built a fine residence and out buildings, where he has since resided.  By his second marriage he has a daughter, Anna, wife of Prof. John Henry COMSTOCK, of Cornell University.

 

Wiley S. BOTSFORD, youngest son of Daniel, was born in Otto, March 3, 1827, married, Nov. 9, 1846, Eliza M., daughter of Adam BALLARD, of Otto, and bought of his father the farm on which he was born, which has since remained in his possession, and which now contains 180 acres.  In 1873 he moved from this farm to one he purchased a short distance north of Otto village, where he resided till his death.  He had two daughters: Urana U. (Mrs. George J. SHERMAN) and Leonora (Mrs. Walter TAFFT).  For many years Mr. BOTSFORD and his wife had the care of his father, who died in 1876 aged ninety-four.  Mr. BOTSFORD died Nov. 26, 1892, and was buried on the 29th with Masonic honors, he having been for twenty-five years an honored member of that order.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 934

 

Surnames:  BROWN, ROBERTS, BUTTERFIELD

 

David N. BROWN's parents came from Vermont to Attica, N. Y., about 1819, and there David N. was born May 9, 1822.  While he was quite young they removed to Persia in this county, where his opportunities for obtaining an education were limited to a few terms in a district school.  When fourteen he commenced learning the cabinet maker's trade, clothing himself out of his salary of $22 per year and improving his mind by study as opportunity offered.  When twenty years old he became a clerk in a store with the privilege of attending a select school a term during the winters.  At the age of twenty-two he entered into trade on his own account in Gowanda, where he carried on business twelve years.  In the fire of 1856 his store with most of the business places in Gowanda was burned.  He did not again engage in mercantile trade, but continued to reside in Gowanda till 1861, being eight years postmaster and serving the town of Persia as supervisor two years.  In 1861 he moved to Collins, Erie county, and for ten years was a farmer.  In 1871 Mr. BROWN became a resident of Otto, purchasing the grist-mill property in the village and selling his farm in Collins in part payment for the same.  He married, first, in 1844, Caroline, daughter of Titus ROBERTS, of Gowanda, who died in 1868.  He married, second, in June, 1872, Lucy A. BUTTERFIELD.  He had one son and four daughters by his first marriage (all of whom are married) and by his second marriage he had two daughters.  In politics Mr. BROWN has always been a Democrat, in which party his influence is felt throughout this senatorial district.  He has served as supervisor of Otto three years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 934

 

Surnames:  BROWN, FOLEY, BARBER

 

Dolphus S. BROWN was born in Cheshire, Mass., Sept. 15, 1830.  His grandfather came from England prior to the Revolution and was a soldier in the patriot army during that struggle.  In 1852 D. S. came to Chautauqua County where, on January 1, 1854, he married Mary J. FOLEY, and taking up his residence in Fredonia he was for a number of years engaged running a wagon distributing paper throughout western New York and northern Pennsylvania.  In 1864 he moved to Otto and with the exception of a short residence in Cattaraugus he has resided here since.  For nine or ten years he ran the stage from Otto to Cattaraugus.  He has been constable fifteen years, collector twelve years, and deputy sheriff nine years.  Mr. BROWN has buried four children and July 19, 1888, Mrs. BROWN's death occurred.  His other children are: Glen, of Jamestown, N. Y.; Mrs. Charles BARBER, of East Otto; and Mrs. Floyd BARBER, of Otto.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 934

 

Surname:  BULL, COOK

 

Perus BULL was born in Otto, April 26, 1836.  William BULL, his father, came from Hartford, N. Y., in 1835 and settled on the farm on which Perus was born, where he resided till his death in 1891, aged eighty-one.  He had four sons and three daughters, of whom only two survived him, viz.: Henry, the oldest, who lives in the village, and Perus, the youngest, who since his birth has lived on the homestead.  June 30, 1863, Perus married Belinda, daughter of Theodore COOK one of the early settlers in Otto.  The grandfather of Perus BULL was a soldier in the War of 1812 and came to Otto some time after William BULL settled here, where he died.  Perus BULL has served as assessor three terms.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 934 & 935

 

Surnames:  BURGER, TRUBY, SMITH, BUTLER

 

Andrew BURGER, born in Bavaria, Germany, Feb. 27, 1819, learned there the trade of cabinet maker, and in 1849 emigrated to America, coming at once to Buffalo, where for a short time he worked at his trade, and where, on the 27th of Jan., 1850, he married Louisa TRUBY.  Soon afterward he moved to Springville, N. Y., and subsequently lived in Ellicottville and Olean.  In 1864 he came to Otto and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he carried on till his death Jan. 17, 1885.  He left besides his widow one daughter, Mrs. F. SMITH, of Allegany, and two sons, J. Henry and S. F.  J. Henry BURGER was born April 15, 1851, in Springville, N.Y.  His education was confined mainly to English branches in common schools.  He has followed the occupation of his father, working with him till his death, and since then carrying on the business himself.  He married, Aug. 13, 1878, Flora, adopted daughter of James BUTLER, an old resident of this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 935

 

Surnames:  CAIN, CURTIS

 

George CAIN, born in Charleston, N. Y., July 7, 1832, was about three years old when his father, Seth CAIN, came to Cattaraugus county, settling first in New Albion and afterward in Otto, where he was engaged in farming and in the lumber business, living some of the time in Otto and a part of the time in New Albion till 1864, when he removed to the west, where he died.  George married Melissa A. CURTIS, Feb. 25, 1863.  A. B. CURTIS, her father, was one of the early settlers of the town.  In 1866 they spent some months in the west with a view to locating a home, but finally returned to Otto, where he bought the homestead farm of Mrs. CAIN's mother and resided here till 1884, when he sold his property in Otto and moved to Hampton, Minn.  They have one son, Seth, and one daughter, Eliza.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 935

 

Surnames:  CHARLESWORTH, BALLARD, FOSTER

 

Samuel CHARLESWORTH, born in England, July 6, 1832, is one of a family of ten children -- six born in England and four in America.  His father, Nathan CHARLESWORTH, came to this county in 1841.  He was a cotton spinner by trade and after coming to America he worked some years in woolen-mills.  He came to Otto in 1845 and died here in 1853.  Samuel has made this town his home since he was eleven years of age.  He married, May 14, 1857, Eleanor, daughter of Kelsey BALLARD, who came here in the early settlement of the town.  In June, 1864, his wife and only child (a daughter of nearly five years) died within a period of one week.  He married Lucinda BALLARD, a sister of his first wife, Jan. 1, 1867.  They have three daughters and one son.  One daughter, E. Maude, is the wife of Carlton FOSTER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 935

 

Surnames:  COLVIN, BABCOCK

 

Mark COLVIN was born in New Albion, Nov. 9, 1840.  His father, Noah COLVIN, came from Vermont among the early settlers, stopping first in Otto, but soon moving to New Albion, where he lived till 1857, when he removed to Humphrey, where he died in 1873, aged seventy-four.  He had five sons and four daughters.  In the summer of 1864 Mark enlisted in Co. D. 9th N. Y. Vet. Cav., and was mustered in Sept. 2d and sent to remount camp, Md.  Dec. 10th he was sent to Winchester and assigned to his company, moved thence to Lowitsville and from there started on the Gordonsville raid.  He was with the troops who took Fort Woodstock.  On returning his horse gave out and he was again sent to remount camp, where he drew an untamed horse, which he mounted, and while endeavoring to get him in line the animal reared and fell over back across his rider, the corner of the saddle hitting Mark's left hip and dislocating the cap.  By some assistance he returned to Winchester that night, but the next morning he was hardly able to move; he was ordered to the hospital, but refused to go, and did guard duty about six weeks before he could mount his horse.  After that he did picket duty in Virginia till his discharge June 1, 1865.  July 5, 1865, he married Julia A., daughter of Darius BABCOCK, one of the early settlers in Otto.  Three years later they moved to East Otto, where they remained fourteen years, when they returned to this town.  They have one son, Bert B., and one daughter, Cecile R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 936

 

Surnames:  COTRAEL, PARKINSON, RUNNALS, BECKER, BROWN

 

John COTRAEL, now the oldest male resident in the town of Otto, was born in Dutchess county, June 19, 1801.  By the death of both his parents he was left an orphan before his earliest recollection, and when fourteen he went to Schoharie county, where he lived twelve years.  When twenty-four years old he married Jane PARKINSON and on the first of Jan., 1827, with his wife and infant son, he started for the Holland purchase with horses and sleigh, arriving in Otto, Jan. 11, 1827.  He soon bought an article of 200 acres of wild land, of which he afterward sold 100 acres.  Mr. COTRAEL has continued on the same farm to the present time.  He has had five sons and two daughters.  In 1874 his wife died and since then his daughter, Mrs. W. C. RUNNALS, has cared for him.  Mr. COTRAEL has ever been a man of the strictest integrity and an ardent supporter of temperance and sobriety.

 

Jonathan P. COTRAEL, the oldest son of John, was born in Schoharie county, Jan. 23, 1825.  When he was about two years old his father moved to Otto, settling about one mile east of the village.  In 1845 he commenced working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed ten years.  In 1853 he entered into partnership with H. S. COTRAEL in the mercantile trade, which he continued ten years.  In 1863 he engaged in the hardware business, continuing therein till 1877, when he retired from mercantile trade and since then gave his attention to settling up his business affairs and looking after his farming interests.  In March, 1855, he married Lida BECKER.  Their only living child, Jennie E., is a young lady of rare attainments in music and painting.  He died in 1893.

 

Baxter J. COTRAEL, youngest son of John, was born March 29, 1845, and in addition to the village school privileges he made a specialty of penmanship, in which art he became proficient.  At the age of twenty-one he engaged as clerk in the store of J. P. & H. S. COTRAEL.  When twenty-seven he entered into partnership with J. P. COTRAEL in the hardware trade and five years later bought the latter's interest.  On the 18th of May, 1876, he married Carrie R., daughter of D. N. BROWN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 936

 

Surnames:  COX, SCOTT

 

Sylvester M. COX was born in Onondaga county July 7, 1807, and moved to Otto in 1825, settling near the village.  He was both a farmer and a blacksmith and acquired a large property.  One of his daughters married Judge Allen D. SCOTT, with whom he spent his declining years.  He held several town offices and in 1876 was supervisor of New Albion, in which town he resided for a time.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 936

 

Surnames:  CROSS, GREEN

 

Silas B. CROSS's grandfather and father came from Schoharie county and located about one mile east of the village in 1827.  At that time Levingston CROSS, the father of S. B., had not attained his majority, but had previously learned the carpenter's trade.  He worked on the grist-mill that was building in the village the year they arrived.  He subsequently married and located in the village and carried on a door, sash, and blind factory till his death in 1883, aged seventy-three.  He was a noted drummer in the famous Otto military band and was an ardent advocate of the temperance cause for many years.

 

Silas B. CROSS, born March 14, 1837, received his education in the village school and commenced teaching at an early age, teaching in all thirty-eight terms.  In 1872 he received a teacher's certificate from the State Department of Public Instruction.  He enlisted in the 9th N. Y. Cav., Sept. 9, 1864, and received his discharge June 22, 1865, while in the hospital at Little York, Pa.  June 24, 1873, he married Allie, daughter of James C. GREEN; she died April 18, 1892.  He has two sons, Ralph and Neal.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 936 & 937

 

Surnames:  DAKE, PARKINSON, MIRICK

 

Oliver DAKE, born Dec. 27, 1813, in Penfield, N. Y., is the youngest and only survivor of twelve children born to Augustus and Eunice DAKE.  In 1832 he came with his father to Otto and settled on the farm on which he now lives.  Mr. DAKE married Olive PARKINSON, March 8, 1840, who died March 23, 1860.  Nov. 30, 1862, he married Adaline MIRICK.  By his first wife he had two sons and one daughter.  His oldest son, Elisha, now assists in carrying on his large dairy farm.  Mr. DAKE comes from a long-lived family.  He has been elected to several responsible offices.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 937

 

Surnames:  DERBY, COX, BEAVER

 

Carlton E. DERBY, only son of Charles F. and Sarah DERBY and grandson of S. M. COX, was born in Persia, April 18, 1853, and traces his ancestry to the DERBYs of Vermont, where they actively participated in the struggle for American Independence.  Dec. 30, 1875, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas BEAVER, of Collins, N. Y.  In Feb., 1881, he purchased the homestead farm of his grandfather, S. M. COX, in Otto, consisting of 526 acres, where he has since resided.  He manufactures his milk into cheese and butter, keeping from sixty to seventy cows.  By the will of Mr. COX, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Otto and for many years a prominent citizen and large landowner, and whose death occurred July 20, 1889, he was appointed executor of the estate, which he still manages.  He has one son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 937

 

Surnames:  DEWEY, De EWES, DEWES, CLARK, BUCK, BLACKNEY, LAKE, GOODRICH, SOULE

 

Ralph DEWEY. -- The name of DEWEY was originally De EWES.  They went from French Flanders into England in the reign of Henry VIII., when the name was DEWES and Simeon DEWES was erected a baronet of Stow Hall about 1629.  The first of the name to come to America was Thomas DEWEY, who came from Sandwich, Kent, England, on the ship Lion's Whelp and landed in Boston, Mass., in May, 1630.  He settled in Dorchester, Mass., in 1633, and removed to Windsor, Conn., about 1638.  March 22, 1638 or 1639, he married widow Frances CLARK.  He held various positions, such as juror and deputy to the General Court.  He died and was buried at Windsor, Conn., April 27, 1648, leaving five children.  Thomas DEWEY, of the fifth or sixth generation from Thomas, was born in Tolland county, Conn., Aug. 20, 1747.  His son, Elijah DEWEY, born in Tolland county, Feb. 18, 1782, married Mehitable BUCK, who was also born in Tolland county, July 2, 1789, daughter of a Revolutionary soldier.  They removed to Madison county, N. Y., where their son, Ralph DEWEY, was born June 25, 1820, and came with his parents to Perrysburg in 1829.  Oct. 29, 1843, he married Caroline L., daughter of Charles BLACKNEY, one of the earliest settlers in Perrysburg.  In 1860 they settled in Otto village, where he owned and operated an iron foundry forty years.  Mr. DEWEY is a prominent citizen of his town and a man of high character, a member of the Methodist church, and a staunch Republican.  He served his town as supervisor five consecutive terms from 1870 to 1875, and will enter upon his seventh term as justice of the peace Jan. 1, 1894.  Children: Eliza (Mrs. A. D. LAKE), of Gowanda; Florence (Mrs. H. L. GOODRICH), of Madison county; George C., of Dunkirk; S. Clara (Mrs. C. D. SOULE), of Otto; William C., of Concordia, Kan.; Luman R., of Chicago; C. Bertell of Jamestown; Carrie F.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 937

 

Surnames:  EDDY, GOODRICH

 

William EDDY was born in Mansfield in 1836, his father, Levi B. EDDY, being one of three brothers who were among the early settlers of that town, and from whom the hamlet of Eddyville derived its name.  In 1862 he married Polly A., daughter of J. H. GOODRICH, of East Otto.  Mrs. EDDY is one of a family of nineteen children; the mother of all is still living.  In 1869 Mr. EDDY purchased a farm in the southeast part of the town, where he has continued to reside.  He has one son and one daughter, both of whom are married.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 938

 

Surnames:  FACKLAM, DANKERT

 

John FACKLAM emigrated from Germany in 1858, settling in Collins, N. Y., where Henry F., the oldest of three sons, was born Jan. 14, 1859, and his brothers a few years later.  The father and his family moved to Otto in 1872 and in 1878 purchased a dairy farm of 208 acres.  Moving onto it in Jan., 1879, he lived but about one year after this, leaving the sons with their mother to care for the farm, which they have continued to the present time.  In 1887 Henry F. commenced dealing in farm implements and fertilizers.  His business increasing he removed in 1889 to the village and opened a farm implement establishment, keeping also a stock of wagons, carriages, etc., to which he has since added a general stock of hardware.  In boyhood he attended both English and German schools, thus becoming proficient in each language.  He married, Nov. 28, 1882, Mina, daughter of Joseph DANKERT, and has two daughters and one son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 938

 

Surnames:  FOSTER, BULL, MATTOCKS, CHARLESWORTH, SOULE, WEBSTER

 

Sheldon FOSTER, born Sept. 20, 1831, in Otto, is the second son of Joseph FOSTER, who settled here in 1818, and who for fifty-six years was an honored citizen of the town, dying at the age of seventy-five on the same farm on which he first located.  Sheldon's school privileges were such as the common schools of the period afforded.  He married, March 29, 1853, Betsey, daughter of William BULL of Otto.  He resided in Collins, Erie county, till 1857, when he returned to Otto and settled on the farm on which he now resides.  Dec. 14, 1868, Mrs. FOSTER died, leaving a daughter and a son.  The daughter, Mary, is now the wife of F. L. MATTOCKS, a marble dealer in Gowanda.  The son, C. J. FOSTER, is married to a daughter of Samuel CHARLESWORTH and lives on the homestead.  Much of the time since Mr. FOSTER last settled in town he has held official positions, being two years town auditor, twelve years assessor, and twelve years commissioner of highways.

 

Albert FOSTER was born in Otto, Oct. 14, 1836.  Joseph FOSTER, his father, came from Hartford, N. Y., in 1817, lived in Collins one year, and in 1818 came to Otto and articled the farm on which Albert was born, and where he continued to reside till his death in 1874, aged seventy-five.  He was justice of the peace sixteen years, was one of the original members of the M. E. church in 1826, and for a number of years kept a record of the meetings with the name of the minister and the text preached from, which is now an heirloom in possession of his son, Albert FOSTER, who has always lived on the homestead.  Jan. 3, 1860, Albert FOSTER married Julia F., daughter of Stephen SOULE and sister of T. B. SOULE.  For several years they had the care of his aged mother, who died in 1883, aged eighty-two.  Children: Clarence P., a stenographer in Buffalo; Ollie (Mrs. Austin WEBSTER); and Herbert and Lutie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 938

 

Surnames:  GOLD, WOLFF

 

Henry GOLD was born in Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany April 10, 1826.  His father died when he was five years old and at an early age he commenced supporting himself by working as a laborer in his native country.  In 1856 he married Anna MOLLER and in Germany two sons were born to them.  In 1866 he emigrated to America, settling in East Otto, where he hired out as a farm laborer and followed that occupation until 1874, when he purchased a farm of 120 acres in the southeast part of Otto, where he now resides.  In 1873 his first wife died and he married, second, Dora WOLFF in 1874.  By his first marriage he had three sons and by his second he has had one daughter and two sons.  His children are educated both in German and English.  He has been twice elected justice of the peace.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 938 & 939

 

Surnames:  GREEN, McMASTERS, ROSS

 

James C. GREEN came to Otto in 1825.  He was born May 22, 1807, in Macedon, N. Y.  In 1830 he married Maria McMASTERS and settled on a farm of 250 acres in the north part of the town, where for sixty-two years he has continued to live.  He has had three sons and three daughters, only two of whom are now living:  James H., the oldest, and Sarah M. (Mrs. Waldo G. ROSS).  His second son, Ephraim C., enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols., in 1861, and was killed at the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.  In Dec., 1888, his wife died.  His only remaining daughter, Mrs. W. G. ROSS, now cares for him.  Mr. GREEN was supervisor of Otto in 1851, 1852, 1855, and 1867.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 939

 

Surnames:  HANSON, AYERS, LAING

 

Jacob E. HANSON was born in Ashford, Dec. 26, 1851.  His father came into that town among the early settlers.  When fourteen years old Jacob commenced work in a cheese factory and for twenty-four years he followed the occupation of cheese manufacturer.  In 1887 he married Catharine AYERS, of Otto, he being at the time proprietor of a cheese factory in this town, where he has since resided.  They have three sons.  He was elected justice of the peace in 1892 for a full term.  In March, 1802, he sold his factory interests and has since been engaged with F. C. LAING in the real estate business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 939

 

Surnames:  HARVEY, REED, SMITH, MALTBIE

 

Frank J. HARVEY, youngest of three sons of John S. and Thedey HARVEY, was born in New Albion, March 1, 1843, his parents coming to that town from Onondaga county in 1827.  For many years John S. HARVEY was a prominent and highly respected citizen of the county.  He was supervisor of New Albion in 1837.  In 1861 he moved to Otto, where he had purchased a large farm and erected a fine residence where his son Frank J. now resides.  He died Feb. 1, 1871, aged sixty-six.  His wife (Thedey REED) survived him until July 15, 1889, aged eighty-four.  In the division of the estate the Otto farm came into the possession of Frank J., and to him and his wife was left the care of his aged mother.  In his youth he attended Chamberlain Institute two years and also received a diploma from Bryant & Stratton's Business College in Buffalo.  He married, March 22, 1866, L. Josephine, daughter of James M. SMITH, of Randolph.  They have four sons and three daughters living.

 

John A. HARVEY, only son of Alfred B. HARVEY, was born Nov. 3, 1869, in New Albion, on the homestead farm where his grandfather, John S. HARVEY, settled.  He attended the village school in Otto, the Union School in Randolph, six terms in Chamberlain Institute, and one year in the Rochester Business University.  When twenty years of age he entered a drug store as clerk, which occupation he followed till Nov., 1891, when he purchased the drug store of B. L. MALTBIE in Otto village, entering into partnership with Mr. MALTBIE under the firm name of J A. HARVEY & Co.  Mr. HARVEY is a young man of excellent social, moral, and business qualifications.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 939 & 940

 

Surnames:  HILL, HEMSTREET

 

Joseph HILL was born in Nunda, N.Y., March 17, 1811.  His father, Samuel HILL, was one of the very early settlers in the valley of Zoar in 1814.  He came down Cattaraugus creek in a canoe.  There were then but two other families in town, both living in the valley.  Bears and wolves were seen in great abundance and game and fish were plenty.  In one season Samuel killed sixteen bears and Joseph himself was a successful hunter.  Jan 22, 1835, he married Catherine, daughter of Abram HEMSTREET, of Ashford.  The same year he bought the article of fifty acres of land, a part of the farm on which he now lives.  He took his wife and furniture on an ox-sled and his axe on his shoulder and starting for their future home he cut his road to his farm, where he had a log house partly built.  Their present residence stands on the same ground on which their first log house was built and their small farm has been increased to about 400 acres.  Children: Nathan, of Ohio, and Winfield.  Jehiel HILL, brother of Joseph, was for many years prominent in military circles, rising from the office of lieutenant to that of general.  Joseph is equally as prominent as a musician and noted especially as a fifer.  At the head of the Otto Rifle Company he led the troops to the parade ground at the general trainings in the village of Lodi (now Gowanda).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 940

 

Surnames:  HINMAN, BULLIS

 

Simeon B. HINMAN traced his ancestry back to the commonwealth in England.  Sergeant Edward HINMAN was an officer in the bodyguard of Charles I.  After the overthrow and execution of King Charles, about 1650, Sergeant Edward HINMAN was found in New England, where he soon became one of the prominent citizens of those times.  From him the numerous HINMANs in America have descended, and many of them have filled important positions in the history of New England.  The records show that Simeon B. HINMAN is one of the lineal descendants of Sergeant Edward.  Born in Rutland county, Vt., Aug. 11, 1800, he married, in 1826, Keziah BULLIS, a native of Vermont, who died in Otto village April 10, 1893.  (See page 839).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 940

 

Surnames:  HUNT, VOSBURG, ANDREWS

 

Hon. William E. HUNT descends from Puritan stock, his father, Ward HUNT, having moved from Connecticut to Brandon, Vt., in the early part of the present century, where William E. was born Sept. 20, 1822.  When ten years of age his father came to Perrysburg.  Besides the common school privileges William E. attended two terms at Fredonia Academy.  In 1851 he came to Otto and engaged in mercantile business, which he followed twenty-three years, and was also for many years an extensive buyer of dairy products for New York houses.  In 1866 he was elected member of Assembly on the Republican ticket by a majority of 1,160.  He represented his town on the Board of Supervisors nine years, was postmaster of Otto twenty-four years, and performed all his public duties with fidelity and strict integrity.  Jan. 15, 1853, he married Betsey H. VOSBURG; children: two who died in infancy, and Mrs. Arthur ANDREWS, of Minneapolis, Minn.  Mr. HUNT some years ago retired from active business and invested considerable of his means in real estate.  He died March 23, 1889.  Mrs. HUNT survives him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 940 & 941

 

Surnames:  INGRAHAM, AUSTIN, BABCOCK

 

Alexander INGRAHAM was born in Pittstown, N. Y., Dec. 18, 1823.  His father, H. W. INGRAHAM, was a soldier in the War of 1812 and came to Otto in 1826, where he articled fifty acres of wild land, to which he subsequently added more.  He had six sons and two daughters and died in 1870, aged seventy-two.  Alexander, the oldest of these children, has always resided in the town.  In 1855 he married Sally AUSTIN.  They have one son and one daughter.  Mr. INGRAHAM, a few years ago saw two young girls drowned while attempting to ford Cattaraugus creek, and afterward was more determined than ever to have a bridge over the stream which was built in 1892.

 

Simeon M. INGRAHAM was born in Pittstown, N. Y., July 7, 1828, and came with his father, H. W. INGRAHAM, to Otto, settling on the farm on which he now lives.  He enlisted in Co K, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf. in the fall of 1861, and at Fair Oaks was struck by three rebel bullets, one of which would probably have proved fatal had not the ball struck his wallet, which contained papers and money.  After the battle he found more than forty bullet-holes in his rubber blanket, which was caused by its being rolled up.  He passed through the Seven Days' Fight, was at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, where he was again slightly wounded, and at Fredericksburg, where he was more seriously wounded, the ball passing through his cartridge box and belt and striking a rib bone.  He was at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and was shot through the left hand July 2, 1863.  With this wound be was in the hospital till into November, when he again joined his regiment.  He was in the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, in the latter of which he received a severe bayonet wound in one knee and was confined in the hospital till September, when he again joined his regiment in front of Petersburg and had command of his company as first sergeant till the expiration of his term of service.  He married Rosina BABCOCK in Feb., 1857.  They resided in Leon and New Albion till the death of his father in I870, when he bought out the heirs and removed to the homestead in Otto.  Their only child, a daughter, died in infancy and May 13, 1886, his wife's death occurred.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 941

 

Surnames:  JARK, STEBBINS

 

P. F. JARK was born in Holstein, Germany, Nov. 13, 1837.  His father was a farm laborer and P. F. followed the same occupation until thirty years of age, when he emigrated to America and soon after commenced cheese making for F. D. STEBBINS in Mansfield.  In 1877 he purchased the cheese factory and decided that in a few years he purchased the large factory in the village and Scott's Corners in Otto, where he then resided.  His success in this was so other factories in Mansfield, and is now one of the largest manufacturers of cheese in this section of country.  In Dec., 1871, he married and has five daughters and one son.  The daughters are liberally educated, the oldest, Augusta, being an accomplished teacher of music.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 941

 

Surnames:  LAING, RUNNALS

 

Fremont C. LAING, born in East Otto, July 6, 1851, is a son of Stephen LAING (see page 558), and received a thorough education in Forestville Academy, Griffith Institute, and Fredonia Normal school.  He commenced teaching school at the age of seventeen, and taught eight terms.  For four years prior to 1879 he was engaged in mercantile business in East Otto and in March, 1879, he moved to the village and started one of the most prosperous general stores in this section of country, which business he still continues.  He has engaged quite extensively in dealing in Buffalo real estate.  In politics a Democrat he was elected to office by a large majority in a Republican town and for four postmaster of Otto.  On the 6th of Feb., 1873, he married Inez R., daughter of W. C. RUNNALS, of East Otto, and has one son, Cecil D., and one daughter, Vera M.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 941

 

Surnames:  LAKE, JOHNSON

 

Frank P. LAKE was born in Otto village Nov. 13, 1858, and is a son of Capt. Phipps LAKE, M. D. (see page 162).  The youngest of five children, he received his education in the graded school of Otto and here he has always resided.  He is an expert painter and decorator.  Aug. 8, 1883, he married Carrie J., daughter of Rev. A. H. JOHNSON, a clergyman of the M. E. church, then holding a pastorate in Otto.  They have one son and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 941 & 942

 

Surnames:  LOOMIS, SKEELS, STANNARD

 

Bliss LOOMIS, father of Henry C. and Nelson LOOMIS, came from Bennington, Vt., in 1826, stopping first in Otto village, but in 1828 locating on the farm now owned by Nelson, where he died.  Nelson was born on this farm April 13, 1838, and was one of the first from this town to enlist in the Rebellion.  May 13, 1861, he enlisted and June 7th was mustered into Co. I, 37th N. Y. Vol. Inf. for two years.  The regiment took the same route through Baltimore as the Massachusetts regiment did April 19th, but were unmolested save by "secesh slang."  He was in the first battle of Bull Run and after that did guard and police duty in and about Alexandria and Washington till the spring of 1862.  He was in the siege of Yorktown, the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Seven Days' Fight, and between Richmond and Harrison's Landing was taken sick and sent to the hospital on David's Island, from which he was discharged in November, 1862.  He has preserved a complete record of the scenes and events through which he passed from day to day from the time he enlisted till he arrived home.  He married, Dec. 31, 1869, Eveline, daughter of Simeon SKEELS, of Otto, and has always resided on the homestead.  He has two sons: Mark, who married 1891, Minnie D. STANNARD, and Guy.  Henry C., the elder brother of Nelson LOOMIS, was first lieutenant in Co. C., 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf., lieutenant-colonel in the 154th Regt., was promoted to brigadier-general and now lives in Kansas.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Nelson LOOMIS

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 942

 

Surnames:  LOSEE, SKEELS

 

John A. LOSEE, born in Watertown, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1818, attended the common schools and two terms at the Watertown Academy, and married Martha A. SKEELS in 1838.  He came to Otto in 1847, purchasing a large farm in the central part of the town.  Since 1865 he has resided in the village, his father living with him till his death in 1888 at the age of ninety years.  Their oldest son, Sullivan B., was killed June 1, 1862, in the battle of Fair Oaks, while acting lieutenant in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols.  His younger brother, a member of the same company with his son, died from exposure and sickness soon after the battle.  They have one son and one daughter living and buried a married daughter some years ago.  He has held several town offices.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 942

 

Surnames:  MERCER, BALLARD

 

James C. MERCER was born in Oneida county, N. Y., Oct. 22, 1833.  His father, James MERCER, emigrated from England about 1820, and came from Oneida county to East Otto when James C. was two years old.  When twenty-one the son became a carpenter and joiner and followed that occupation twenty-two years.  For the past sixteen years he has been engaged in raising and dealing in Percheron Norman horses and is now the owner of the famous horse Imperial, the champion long-mane horse of the world and the wonder of all beholders wherever exhibited.  He has also other noted horses of the same breed.  Jan. 15, 1861, he married Emerette C., daughter of Benjamin BALLARD, of Otto.  In 1865 Mr. MERCER came to Otto village, where he has since resided.  They have one son, William F., a graduate of Chamberlain Institute, Randolph, and of Hillsdale College in Michigan.  He has been a teacher in high schools several years and is now principal of Waterford Academy, Waterford, Pa., and is also superintendent of public schools in that town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 942 & 943

 

Surnames:  O’BRIEN, LOSEE, BROWN

 

Charles A. O’BRIEN, born in Canada, March 7,1843, came in 1859 to Otto, where he worked at painting about two years.  May 11, 1861. he enlisted in Co. H, 37th N. Y. Vols., for two years, being the first volunteer from the town of Otto to answer the call of President Lincoln for troops.  Reaching Washington about the first of June he was in the first battle of Bull Run, the siege of Yorktown, the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Seven Days' Fight, and on the 30th of June, 1862, was wounded and taken prisoner.  He was two weeks in Libby prison and two months on Belle Island, when he was paroled, and in October was exchanged and joined his regiment.  He was in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and was mustered out June 23, 1863.  He re-enlisted Aug. 13, 1863, in Co. H, 14th N. Y. H. A., and was mustered in as fourth sergeant on Staten Island.  He was acting orderly with a detachment of men in City Hall park, New York, from Dec. 4, 1863, till April, 1864, when he joined the Ninth Army Corps, being promoted color sergeant.  About the 1st of May he was made sergeant-major and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Tolopotomoy Creek, Petersburg, the mine explosion, and Weldon Railroad, and was promoted to second lieutenant and assigned to Co. M.  He served in the battles of Pegram Farm, Hacher's Run, Fort Steadman, and Fort Haskell, making in all nineteen regular battles in which he was engaged.  For gallantry in the battles of Forts Steadman and Haskell he was brevetted first lieutenant in the U. S. Vols. by the president and was commissioned first lieutenant by the governor of New York.  He was mustered out Sept. 26, 1865.  Mr. O’BRIEN married, first, July 13, 1865, Mrs. Jennette S. LOSEE, whose first husband was killed at the battle of Fair Oaks.  She died Aug. 28, 1878.  He married, second, Mrs. Emma BROWN, Nov. 16, 1880.  By his first marriage he had three daughters and by the second two daughters and one son.  He is an acting justice of the peace.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 943

 

Surnames:  PRATT, PURDY

 

Charles E. PRATT was born Oct. 10, 1838, in East Otto, his father, Darius PRATT, being one of the pioneers of that town, settling there about 1820, where he resided till his death.  Jan. 1, 1860, Charles E. married Mary E., daughter of Stephen PURDY, of Otto.  In Aug., 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 9th N. Y. Cav., and about the 1st of December the regiment joined General Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah valley.  He was in the Gordonsville raid and two days without food; was in the calvalry dash at Perryville, where his horse stumbled in attempting to jump a ditch and he received an injury to his hip, from which he never recovered; and received his discharge at Winchester, Va., in 1865.  Settling in the north part of Otto he has since resided there.  He has two sons: Ernest, who is married and has a family, and Claude, living at home.  Mr. PRATT has been elected to several official positions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 943

 

Surnames:  ROGERS, CROSS

 

Thomas L. ROGERS was born in New York city, June 4, 1818, and when nine years old his father died.  In 1829 he came with his mother to Otto and has ever since made this town his home.  For a number of years he carried on a chair manufactory.  He married, Sept. 10, 1840, Mary E., daughter of John CROSS, who settled in Otto in 1827, coming here from Schoharie county, where Mary E. was born Feb. 12, 1824.  They have four sons and one daughter, all of whom are married.  Stephen H., the oldest, enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf. in Aug., 1861, and was promoted to sergeant.  He was in the battles of Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Cold Harbor, and was wounded at the first battle of Petersburg.  He was mustered out at the end of his three years' service and is now living in Montana.  Two of the sons are engineers on the Erie railway and the daughter lives in Salamanca.  Mr. ROGERS was town clerk eight years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 943

 

Surnames:  SHERMAN, BOTSFORD, ROOT

 

George J. SHERMAN, son of David, was born in Collins, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1842.  In 1859 he came with his father to Otto.  Jan. 1, 1863, he married Urana U., oldest daughter of W. S. BOTSFORD.  She was born in Otto, April 10, 1848.  They commenced housekeeping on the farm of her father, where they have ever since resided.  They have two daughters and one son, the daughters being Mrs. Adrian ROOT and Mrs. Simeon BOTSFORD.  The son, Wiley B., lives at home.  Mr. SHERMAN's aged mother has lived with them several years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 943

 

Surnames:  SHIPPY, BARSE

 

Leroy SHIPPY, born May 21, 1836, in Otto, is the second of five sons of Elisha SHIPPY, one of the early settlers of the town.  All these five sons were soldiers in the Union army during the Rebellion.  Augustus A., the oldest, was killed at Rocky Face Ridge, Ga., while color-sergeant and was the fifth man shot as one after the other they seized the colors of the 154th N. Y. Vols.  Leroy was the first of these sons to enlist.  He was mustered in Sept. 16, 1861, in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was shot through the left arm at the battle of Fair Oaks, June 2, 1862, his file-leader dropping dead at the same instant.  He was in the battles of Chancelorrsville and Gettysburg, where he was shot through the right hand July 2, 1863.  He was mustered out in the fall of 1864 and returned to his home in Otto, where he has since resided.  In 1869 he married Mrs. Sabrina BARSE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 943 & 944

 

Surnames:  SMALLMAN, LAING, MANDEVILLE, FOSTER

 

Edward SMALLMAN was born in Queens county, Ireland, Feb. 17, 1840.  His father, Richard SMALLMAN, died when Edward was four years old.  At the age of sixteen the latter commenced a five years' apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade.  In 1861 he emigrated to America, landing in New York on Aug. 12th, and Aug. 12, 1862, enlisted in Co. I, 20th Conn. Vol. Inf.  He was assigned to the Twelfth Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac and was in the battle of Chancellorsville, where he was wounded in the head and taken prisoner.  He was in Richmond three weeks, when he was paroled and sent to parole camp near Alexandria.  In Sept., 1863, he was exchanged and joined his regiment at Murfreesborough, Tenn.  He participated in the battles of Resaca, Cassville, Peach Tree Creek, and siege of Atlanta, his being the first picket line which entered that city.  He was at the capture of Savannah, in the battles of Averysville and Bentonsville, and was present when Johnston surrendered at Raleigh.  He was mustered out at New Haven, Conn., June 27, 1865.  He came to Otto in Aug., 1865, and worked twenty years at his trade, and has since then been clerk in the store of F. C. LAING, having had charge of the business since Mr. LAING moved to Buffalo.  Nov. 14, 1867, he married Margarette MANDEVILLE.  They have one daughter, Mrs. Mary F. FOSTER, living in the village, and one son, Frank E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 944

 

Surnames:  SOULE, HUNT, PIERCE, DEWEY

 

Thomas B. SOULE was born in Otto, Oct. 6, 1846, his father, Stephen SOULE, coming from Collins, N. Y., a few years previous.  His opportunities for schooling were the common schools and one term in Chamberlain Institute.  He was for a few years employed as clerk in the store of W. E. HUNT in Otto and for four years carried on the mercantile business himself.  For the last twelve years he has been engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods in company with C. B. PIERCE in PIERCE's woolen-mills in Otto.  He has served four years as town clerk and is now serving his sixth year as supervisor, being also the present postmaster.  Oct. 9, 1872, he married S. Clara, daughter of Ralph DEWEY.  They have two sons and one daughter.  The oldest son, Ralph, is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R. in Chicago.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 944

 

Surnames:  STEBBINS, HARRIS, ARMSTRONG

 

Anson L. STEBBINS was born in Granby, Mass., Dec. 8, 1825.  His father, Aaron W. STEBBINS, moved from Massachusetts to Vermont after the birth of Anson L. and thence to Mansfield in 1832, coming the entire distance with one horse and wagon.  He settled on a farm which remained in his possession till his death in 1888, aged ninety-one.  Anson L. married, Oct. 24, 1849, Mary, daughter of S. W. HARRIS.  In 1855 he settled in Otto on a farm just west of the village.  Children: Edwin D., a blacksmith in Otto village; Ina A. (Mrs. B. J. ARMSTRONG), who resides on a farm; and Ida C. (Mrs. J. D. ARMSTRONG), of Salamanca.  Mr. STEBBINS has held several offices of trust.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 944 & 945

 

Surnames:  STRICKLAND, ALLEN, SMITH, HUNT

 

Walter H. STRICKLAND was born in Watertown, Conn., Feb. 4, 1816.  His grandfather, Samuel STRICKLAND, was an officer in the American army during the Revolutionary war, and was born in 1744 and died in 1826.  His father, John STRICKLAND, was born July 25, 1783, and died Oct. 19, 1841.  In 1828 he moved from Connecticut to Oneonta, N. Y., and in 1832 came to Otto, settling on fifty acres of land now included in the farm of W. H. STRICKLAND.  He had five daughters and two sons.  Since the death of his father Walter H. has continued in possession of the original farm and has added to it till the place now includes 350 acres.  Mr. STRICKLAND had an academic education and at the age of nineteen he commenced teaching school, which he followed fifteen years, holding a life certificate, but on account of lung difficulty was obliged to relinquish teaching and give his attention to farming.  In 1836 he was one of the first members of the M. E. church in the village and is now the only one of that little band living.  Mr. STRICKLAND married, first, Statira, daughter of Hon. Dan ALLEN, of Gowanda, July 13, 1843.  She died Dec. 16, 1852.  By this marriage he had two sons and one daughter, of whom the oldest son, John, and daughter, Mrs. Laura SMITH, are still living; the other son, Dan A., died in May, 1882.  In Jan., 1854, he married Mrs. Maryette B. HUNT; they have one son, Channing W., and two daughters deceased.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 945

 

Surnames:  TOLMAN, PALMER, BUNDY

 

J. N. TOLMAN, born Aug. 27, 1827, in Evans, N. Y., moved in 1868 to Otto, purchasing of Edmund PALMER about 400 acres of land in the Zoar valley, where he has since resided, carrying on a large dairying business and raising extensive crops of grain.  Mr. TOLMAN, with others in the valley, has worked industriously to secure the construction of a permanent bridge across Cattaraugus creek, which was built in 1892.  In 1858 he married Eugenia BUNDY; they have two sons and three daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 945

 

Surnames:  TRUBY, HARRISON, ACKERMAN, LOCKRIDGE, HEPPNER

 

Frederick TRUBY, the oldest of three TRUBY brothers residing in the village of Otto, was born in Weidenhausen, Germany, on the 6th of May, 1835.  His father died when he was ten years old and at the age of sixteen, by the death of his mother, he was left an orphan.  In 1852 he decided to seek a home in America, and landing in New York in the fall of that year he came in February following to Ellicottville, where he commenced learning the cabinet maker's trade with William E. HARRISON, for whom he worked most of the time till the spring of 1863, when he went to Germany to settle the parental estate.  His father had been proprietor of a shoe store and manufactory.  Returning to America in the fall he came to Otto to where he has since resided, being engaged in the cabinet and carpentering business until 1866.  In 1858 he received his citizenship papers and in the fall of 1864 he was drafted into the service, but put a substitute into the army.  In 1866, in company with his brother John, he opened a clothing and manufacturing establishment under the firm name of F. & J. TRUBY.  John was a practical tailor and the brothers have continued their business over twenty-five years, their sales extending to all parts of the surrounding country.  In 1868 Mr. TRUBY was elected overseer of the poor and re-elected twelve successive terms.  In 1880 he received the nomination of superintendent of the poor of Cattaraugus county on the Republican ticket and was elected.  He was re-elected in 1883 and 1886, holding the office nine successive years.  April 29, 1866, F. and J. TRUBY married, respectively, Christine and Minnie ACKERMAN.  Frederick's children are one daughter, who died when one and a half years old; Lutie; Willard F., a graduate of Chamberlain Institute and now a student in Cornell University; and Jessie.

 

Ernest H. TRUBY was born in Weidenhausen, Germany, Dec. 7, 1843.  His parents both died before he was eight years old and at fifteen he commenced learning the shoemaker's trade.  When nineteen he emigrated to America, landing in New York, Oct. 15, 1862, and six days after commenced work at his trade for D. M. LOCKRIDGE in Otto village.  In 1863 he entered into partnership with William HEPPNER in the boot and shoe business.  In 1865 he purchased HEPPNER's interest and has since continued alone.  In July, 1887, his store and residence were destroyed by fire, but in Feb., 1888, he had ready for occupancy a commodious brick building where his former store stood.  Mr. TRUBY married, June 1, 1868, Minnie TRUBY, and they have two sons.  For twelve years he has held the office of overseer of the poor, being elected several times without opposition.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Pages 945 & 946

 

Surnames:  WAYNE, SMITH

 

George H. WAYNE was born in Rochester, N. Y., Aug. 11, 1845.  His parents emigrated from Germany.  In 1861 he attended the University of Rochester a few months, but enlisted in Co. E, 100th N. Y. Vol. Inf. and joined McClellan's army at Fortress Monroe.  He was in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Seven Days' Fight, and was wounded at Deep Bottom and lay in the hospital three months.  After recovering he was at the taking of Folly Island, Morris Island, in the charge on Fort Wagner, and was wounded on Morris Island by the explosion of a shell.  He was in Captain Payne's expedition of twelve men to spike cannon at Fort Johnson.  He was mustered out in Buffalo in Dec., 1864.  Mr. WAYNE came to East Otto in 1873 and for fourteen years carried on a wagon shop and blacksmithing business.  In Jan., 1887, his shops with a large stock were burned.  In Nov., 1887, he came to Otto village, where he has since been doing a blacksmith business.  In 1873 he married Lotilda SMITH; they have two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Otto – Chapter XL (40)

Page 946

 

Surnames:  WICKHAM, GRIFFITH

 

James T. WICKHAM was born in Orleans county, N. Y., April 14,1843, and when about ten years old his father, James WICKHAM, with his family came to East Otto.  In 1861 James T. enlisted in Co. C, 64th N. Y. Vols.  For several weeks he was nearly blind with inflammation of the eyes while in Camp Fenton.  He was in the siege of Yorktown and arrived at Williamsburg just at the close of that battle.  He was slightly wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks, was in the Seven Days' Fight, and was sent to the hospital at Fortress Monroe, thence to New York, and from there to his home.  After about six weeks he returned to his regiment at South Mountain.  After the battle of Antietam he was sent to the hospital, transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and assigned to provost duty till his term of service expired.  He contracted disease in the early part of his service, from which he has never recovered.  Nov. 14, 1864, he married Helen S. GRIFFITH.  For about twelve years he has been agent for Smith & Jones, of Utica, dealers in dairy supplies.

 

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TOWN OF PERRYSBURG

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 953

 

Surnames:  BENNETT, HILLER, TOUCEY, SCHMILL, PRESS

 

Andrew BENNETT, a native of Dutchess county, came to Hanover, N. Y., soon after his marriage to Catharine HILLER, who died in Versailles aged eighty.  His only son, John L., born June 13, 1837, married Caroline TOUCEY, Sept. 6, 1860.  She was a daughter of John TOUCEY and was born in 1840.  Children:  Cozella, Luella, Ludelia, and Nettie.  Mr. BENNETT enlisted in 1862 in the 9th N. Y. Cav. and was discharged Feb. 4, 1863.  He has resided in Versailles twenty-eight years.  Ludelia BENNETT married, Feb. 28, 1889, Adam SCHMILL.  Nettie married Bartlett A. PRESS in Jan., 1889, and also resides in Versailles.  John TOUCEY, a native of Connecticut, came to Perrysburg in 1823 and died in 1868.  Children:  Eunice, Hannah, Helen, Martin, Jane, Caroline, Franklin, Sylvia, Susan, Sarah, and Milton J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 953 & 954

 

Surnames:  BLACKNEY, CROSS, RUGG, KNAPP, SANDERS, HALL, ROSE

 

Eldad BLACKNEY came to Perrysburg and cleared a farm near the village.  He married Sally CROSS;  children:  Charles, William, Nathan, Lewis P., Asa, Eldad, Jr., Belinda, Caroline, Julia, Sally, Sarah, Esther, Clarissa, and Delia.

 

Lewis P. BLACKNEY was born in New Lebanon, N. Y., May 30, 1811, and came here at the age of eleven.  July 14, 1835, he married Catharine, daughter of Isaac and Abigail RUGG.  She was born Jan. 28, 1814, and died Jan. 18, 1822.  Children:  William W., Oscar C., Maryette G., Julia M., Orlina A., Orlando L., Aurelia R., Charles O., and Lillian C.  Charles O. BLACKNEY married Carrie, daughter of William and Alice (KNAPP) SANDERS, and is a farmer on the Isaac RUGG farm.  Maryette G. married Warren R. HALL, son of John E. and Jane (ROSE) HALL.  He was born Feb. 18, 1845, and is a farmer near "Ruggtown".

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 954

 

Surnames:  BLAKE, GRISWOLD, CRUMB, STRICKLAND, ALLEN

 

Ebenezer BLAKE, son of John, came to Concord, N. Y., in 1830 and subsequently removed to Orleans county, where he died.  He was present as a musician at the hanging in Buffalo of the three Thayers, who murdered a man in 1825 because of a debt he owed them.  His wife was Sophronia GRISWOLD.  Their son Harry, born Jan. 26, 1835, married, July 24, 1860, Jennie L. CRUMB, who died Oct. 17, 1875.  Julius CRUMB, her father, married Cornelia STRICKLAND on April 22, 1832.  Mr. BLAKE's second wife is Martha J. ALLEN.  His children are Addison, Ella L., Frank D., and Le Verrne C.  Addison died July 5, 1889.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 954

 

Surnames:  BLASDELL, JOSLY, ALLEN

 

Nathaniel BLASDELL, born in Vermont, came to Dayton in 1818 and cleared a farm at what is now Markham, where he died.  He married Sarah JOSLY;  children:  John, William, Nathaniel, David J., Sarah, Abigail, Mercy, Lydia, and Caroline.  David J. BLASDELL was born in Milton, Vt., Dec. 16, 1804, and came to Dayton with his parents.  He subsequently removed to Perrysburg, where he died March 4, 1875.  He married Lucinda ALLEN of Gowanda, Jan. 15, 1826;  children:  Dan A., Lewis. N., Homer J., Morris C., Milton N., Heman N., and Esther M.  His widow lives on the homestead in this town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 954

 

Surnames:  CAMPBELL, HURD, BRIGGS, FRANCIS

 

Hugh CAMPBELL, son of William, was born in Albany, N. Y., and came to Perrysburg about 1816, where he cleared what is now the HURD farm.  At the time of his arrival he had eight children:  Chancellor, Rice, Walter, Colin, Susan, Emma, Charlotte, and Janette.  He was prominent in the early settlement, served as justice of the peace several years, and died in 1874.  He cleared two other farms in Cattaraugus county and another one still in Michigan.  Chancellor CAMPBELL, born Aug. 28, 1810, married Ann. daughter of Russell BRIGGS, who died Feb. 18, 1884.  Children:  Ellen, Frank, Eliza, James, and James M.  The latter was born Sept. 2, 1845, and May 4, 1869, married Minerva, daughter of Simon and Martha FRANCIS;  children:  Clara A., Fanny E., and Helen M.  He is a farmer near the village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 954

 

Surnames:  CAMPBELL, VOSBURG

 

Frank CAMPBELL was born Feb. 14, 1838.  June 20, 1860, he married Caroline M., daughter of John and Jessie VOSBURG.  She was born Aug. 10, 1840.  Children:  Jennie, Charles W., Arthur J., and Clarence H.  Aug. 8, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 44th N. Y. Vols., was discharged Oct. 11, 1864, and is now a pensioner.  His paternal ancestor, Hugh CAMPBELL, participated in the battle of Sacket's Harbor in the War of 1812.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 954

 

Surnames:  COOPER, CAMPBELL

 

William COOPER was born in Stillwater, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1793, and came to Perrysburg in 1817, settling on what is now known as the CAMPBELL farm near the village.  He was a prominent man in the new town and represented it five years on the Board of Supervisors.  Children:  William, James, Robert, Benjamin, Peter, Hannah, Sarah, and Nancy.  He died Dec. 31, 1872.  He founded the first district school in town and was influential in early religious affairs.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 954 & 955

 

Surnames:  EDWARDS, PARKMAN, SOUTHWORTH, CADWELL, ELLS, CHURCH

 

Isaac EDWARDS was of Welsh origin and was born in Connecticut.  His father was a Revolutionary captain and a participant in the War of 1812; in the latter conflict the son was present with his father at Plattsburgh.  Truman EDWARDS, son of Isaac, was born in Greenfield, N. Y., and came to Perrysburg in 1817, cleared a farm, and died in 1874.  He married Eliza PARKMAN, who died Oct. 2, 1876.  Children:  Julia, Esther, Frederick, James, and Edward M.  Mr. EDWARDS was supervisor of Perrysburg five terms.  Edward M. EDWARDS, born July 4, 1829, married Harriet SOUTHWORTH, who bore him one son, Truman.  He married, second, Nov. 21, 1869, Esther CADWELL, and their children are Elida M., Forest T., Belle, and Elgin M.  He is a farmer on the homestead.  James A. EDWARDS was born July 21, 1837, and married Amanda, daughter of W. and Charlotte ELLS.  He married, second, Ellen, daughter of David and Roxy CHURCH.  His children are Maryette and Amanda by his first wife and Cora and Clara by his second.  He is a farmer on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 955

 

Surnames:  GRAVES, ATWELL, HAIGHT, WALLER, STILLSON, JOHNSON, MILLS, HUBBART

 

Lester GRAVES came to this town in 1826 and cleared the farm now owned by Alvin R. GRAVES.  He was a native of Massachusetts and died here in 1868.  His wife died Feb. 28, 1863.  Children:  Alvin, Charles F., Cornelia, Mary Ann, and George.  Charles F. GRAVES was born March 19, 1825, and died March 15, 1890.  Sept. 11, 1854, he married Melissa ATWELL, who was born Aug. 17, 1833.  Children:  Burt H., born Nov. 9, 1855; Cora Estella, born July 10, 1857; Nora E. (Mrs. Frank E. HAIGHT), born Nov. 26, 1859, died June 17, 1884; Lottie W. (Mrs. George E. WALLER), born Aug. 26, 1860; Edith, born June 8, 1867; and George R., born Oct. 24, 1869.  Burt H. GRAVES married Jennie B. STILLSON and his children are Byron L., Bessie S., and Charles L.  He is a member of the firm of JOHNSON & GRAVES, is postmaster, and since 1889 has been town clerk.  Alvin R. GRAVES was born Oct. 14, 1818, and married, Sept. 10, 1843, Sarah E., daughter of Lathrop and Olive MILLS.  They have one daughter, Mary A., born Dec. 19, 1847, who married, Feb. 7, 1876, Oscar HUBBART, who was born in Leon in 1845;  children:  Mabel G. and Nellie L.  Mr. GRAVES has resided on his present farm sixty-eight years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 955

 

Surnames:  HAVEN, LOWE, CLARK

 

John HAVEN, son of Elkanah, was born in Framingham, Mass., Nov. 9, 1774, came to Perrysburg in March, 1820, cleared a farm, and died March 21, 1829.  He married Mary LOWE, who died Jan. 2, 1853.  Children:  John, Philander L., Mary F., Philena, Julia, Ebenezer, George, and W. L.  W. L. HAVEN was born Nov. 14, 1819, at Concord, N. Y., and Feb. 24, 1850, married Emily F. CLARK, who was born at Perry, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1825, and who died April 13, 1889.  Mr. HAVEN is a retired farmer and is engaged in the insurance business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 955

 

Surnames:  HAYWARD, TICHNOR, CLOUGH

 

Benjamin HAYWARD, a native of Scipio, N. Y., was an early settler of Freedom, where he died.  His children were Charles, Hannah, Phebe, Walter, Armenia, Susanna, Benjamin, and Asa K.  Asa K. HAYWARD, born in Scipio, Aug. 30,1819, married, Oct. 11, 1857, Harriet A., daughter of Elisha and Mariah TICHNOR, who was born in this town Sept. 4, 1831.  Mr. HAYWARD died April 28, 1884.  Children:  Elisha B., A. J., Nora M., Elsie A., and Fred M.  Mrs. Harriet A. HAYWARD survives and occupies the homestead.  Elisha TICHNOR was born in Canada West and came to Perrysburg in 1847, where he died Dec. 18, 1884.  He married Mariah CLOUGH, who died here in 1864.  His children were Harriet A., George, John, Joseph, Lewis, Elisha, Euretta A., Christine E., Benjamin, and Francis.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 955 & 956

 

Surnames:  HOOKER, WATERMAN

 

John HOOKER, a native of Brandon, Vt., came to Perrysburg while young and was the first permanent settler on the HOOKER farm, where he died about 1860.  Children: John, Daniel, Abigail, Mary Ann, Lois, Fanny, and Harriet.  John HOOKER, Jr., was born in Brandon, Sept. 5, 1806, and died here June 24, 1888.  He married Philena, daughter of James WATERMAN, who was born Dec. 27, 1813, and who died here Aug. 26, 1893;  children:  Helen M., Benjamin F., Huldah A., James L., Hull M., John R., Harriet I., Lois, Newel P., Dora, Elva A., and Warren B.  All were born.in Perrysburg.  Hull M. HOOKER was killed at Malvern Hill in 1862 while serving as a member of Co. H, 44th N. Y. Vols.  Warren B. HOOKER is a prominent lawyer in Fredonia and since 1890 a Republican representative in Congress.  John R. and Elva A. HOOKER occupy the homestead of their grandfather.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 956

 

Surnames:  HOOKER, FIFE, CADWELL, GRAVES, HURD

 

Jacob HOOKER, a native of Massachusetts, came to this town in 1834 and cleared the farm on which he died in 1860.  His wife was Doris FIFE, who died in 1880.  Children:  Mindwell, Jane, Emma, Spicer, and Susan.  Spicer HOOKER was born in Goshen, Vt., in May, 1832.  He married Elizabeth CADWELL;  children:  Byron J., Carrie, Hull, Cora, Ellen, Clyde, and Lizzie.  Byron J., born Aug. 10, 1857, married, Feb. 14, 1883, Jennie, daughter of Harvey and Cornelia (GRAVES) HURD.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 956

 

Surnames:  HOYT, SHELDON, McCOLLISTER

 

Gilbert HOYT, the son of a Revolutionary soldier, came to Gowanda about 1830 as a wagon maker, and died at the Indian mission aged ninety years.  He married Prudence SHELDON, who also died at the mission at the age of seventy.  Children:  Sheldon, Seth, John G., Ann, and Martha.  John G. HOYT, born in Vermont, Oct. 26, 1827, came to Cattaraugus county with his parents and married Sarah McCOLLISTER.  He now resides in Buffalo and follows the profession of architect and bridge builder.  Children:  Richard, John G. Jr., Charles, Emma P., Harriet, Jesse, Maud, Grace, Ann, and Theodore.  John G. HOYT, Jr., was born in Buffalo in 1852 and is now a farmer near Versailles.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 956

 

Surnames:  INGRAHAM, WOOLMAN, PURDY, BURKE, CRUMB

 

Peter INGRAHAM, a native of Rensselaer county, died in Otto at the age of eighty.  His wife was Sybil WOOLMAN, who died in Leon.  Children:  Humphrey, Hartman S., Peter, Annie, Lucina, and Hannah M.  Hartman S. INGRAHAM was born in Rensselaer county and died in Wisconsin.  His wife was Catharine PURDY and their children were Peter W., Electa, Jane, John R., Sybil, Lucina, Charles, Adelbert, Gilbert, and Loretta.  John R. INGRAHAM was born in Otto, Nov. 9, 1833.  Feb. 19, 1860, he married Charlotte BURKE, who was born April 29, 1843.  He has been a farmer in Perrysburg nearly fifteen years.  George BURKE, the father of Mrs. Charlotte INGRAHAM, was born in Otsego county, where he died in 1844.  His wife was Mariah CRUMB, who was born Sept. 19, 1815, and died July 30, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 956

 

Surnames:  JOLLES, WEST, AYRES, MORRELL

 

Abel JOLLES born in Saratoga county, came to Perrysburg soon after his marriage and settled on the farm on which he died aged seventy years.  He married Mariah WEST;  children:  Laura, Betsey, Phebe, Warren, and Warner.  Warren JOLLES was born in Perrysburg, July 13, 1832, and in 1869 married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas S. and Matilda M. (AYRES) MORRELL.  Children:  Burton W., Elbert G., Earl W., Ara A., and Angie M.  Mrs. Elizabeth JOLLES survives her husband.  Her widowed mother, Matilda M. MORRELL, also survives and lives with Mrs. JOLLES in Dayton.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 956

 

Surnames:  MARVIN, BERTHOLF, WATKINS, ROBBINS, ALLEN, CHRISTIAN, WAGNER

 

Schuyler MARVIN, son of Jeffrey, was born in Orange county in 1806 and married Elizabeth BERTHOLF.  Coming to Perrysburg in 1855 he died here in 1878, having had born to him these children: Sarah, Dewitt, Martha, James B., Seth, Mary, and Lawrence.  James B. MARVIN was born in Erie county, Feb. 27, 1837, and Jan. 26, 1867, married Hester A. WATKINS, of Pembroke, N. Y., by whom he had one daughter, Florence A.  His second wife was Lydia E. ROBBINS, who was born in Persia, a daughter of Elhanan W. ALLEN.  They have one daughter, Mary L.  He is a farmer in Perrysburg, where he has resided since 1855.  Mary MARVIN, daughter of Jeffrey, married Cyrus E. CHRISTIAN and has one daughter, Ruth E.  Florence MARVIN married Daniel WAGNER and has one daughter, Alice.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 957

 

Surnames:  MATTOON, LIVINGSTON, GARDNER, WARD

 

Abel MATTOON, a New Englander by birth, served in the Revolutionary war and early settled in Hanover. N. Y., whence he removed to Perrysburg, and finally to Wayne county, Ind., where he died.  In all these places he was a typical pioneer.  Children:  Philip, Sylvenus, Lydia, Hannah, Aurilla, and Abel.  Abel MATTOON was born in Warren county, N. Y., moved to Perrysburg, and was killed in 1827 at the raising of a log house.  He married Mary LIVINGSTON;  children:  Clara, Jeremiah, Samuel, Schuyler, Polly, Lydia, Sylvester, John, Rebecca, Margaret, Ellen, and Sylvenus.  The latter was born March 18, 1816, and married, May 15, 1842, Jane T. GARDNER, who died in Nov., 1887.  Children:  Jane A., James K., Henry J., Ella F., and William T.  William T. MATTOON, born April 9, 1853, married Mary WARD, and his children are Bernice G. and Ida B.  He is a farmer, mason, and cheese maker in Perrysburg.  Sylvenus MATTOON participated in the Dutch Hill war in 1845.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 957

 

Surnames:  MAYNARD, FORBES, LILLY

 

Francis MAYNARD, son of Francis and Margaret MAYNARD, was born in New Haven, Vt., July 4, 1834.  Feb. 20, 1854, he married Jane FORBES, of Canada, and his children are Ellen and Richard.  Richard MAYNARD was born Sept. 15, 1861, and Feb. 11, 1887, he married Emma LILLY, by whom he has one son, Francis, born March 20, 1890.  Father and son are farmers on the same farm.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 957

 

Surnames:  McADAMS, BORDEN, CAMPBELL

 

Alexander McADAMS was born, lived, and died in Scotland.  James McADAMS, his son, was born in that country in 1810 and died there July 14, 1880.  His son George M. was born Dec. 11, 1857, in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and came to Perrysburg on March 1, 1883.  Feb. 13, 1889, he married Cora A. BORDEN, daughter of Warren and Ellen M. (CAMPBELL) BORDEN, and has one daughter, Fanny C.  Warren BORDEN was a son of Hiram and was one of the early settlers of Perrysburg.  He died in 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 957

 

Surnames:  MITCHELL, JOHNSON

 

George A. MITCHELL was born in England, Sept. 1, 1836, and died in Cherry Creek, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1892.  His only son, Frank G. MITCHELL, was born in Millport, N. Y., May 15, 1856, and March 16, 1880, married Ellen B. JOHNSON, of Perrysburg.  Children:  Carey T., Ethel J., and Edith L.  Mr. MITCHELL resides in Perrysburg and is a dealer in real estate in Buffalo.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 957

 

Surnames:  MULKIN, LOVEJOY, STILLWELL, MITCHELL, SEELEY, WILLISTON

 

Norton MULKIN, son of John and Sarah (LOVEJOY) MULKIN, was born in Hanover, N. Y., and now resides in Perrysburg.  He married Lovina STILLWELL, who was born Nov. 23, 1833, in Ellisburgh, N. Y.;  children:  Norton, Jr., Archie, Sarah, Milton, Alfred M., Morris H., Maud E., and Ona A.  Ona A. MULKIN was born March 16, 1862, and Jan. 14, 1886, married Ida, daughter of Jasper W. and Jennie (MITCHELL) SEELEY.  Children:  Ona A. Jr., and Jesse M.  He is a general merchant in Perrysburg village.  Alfred M. MULKIN was born April 27, 1864.  Norton MULKIN is now a resident of Versailles.  Maude married Seth WILLISTON and resides in Perrysburg.  William M. MULKIN served in the Civil war from Michigan.  Erastus MULKIN served in the 49th N. Y. Vols. and was promoted first lieutenant.  John STILLWELL and Ona A. STILLWELL enlisted in the 64th N. Y. Vols., the latter attaining the rank of first lieutenant and being killed at Gettysburg.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 957

 

Surnames:  NEWCOMB, DAY, SWEET, SAUNDERS

 

Daniel NEWCOMB, son of Dea. Daniel and Electa (DAY) NEWCOMB, was born April 27, 1815, in Vermont.  By trade a tanner and currier he eventually became a farmer and came to Perrysburg, where he died Feb. 7, 1881.  He married Terressa J., daughter of Allen and Jane SWEET;  children:  Daniel, Martha J., William D., Martin L., Caroline E., and Daniel L.  Mrs. NEWCOMB survives and resides with her son on the homestead.  Allen SWEET died in this town aged eighty, as did also his wife Nov. 10, 1876.  Her maiden name was Jane SAUNDERS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 958

 

Surnames:  PARKER, KNAPP, CHAPMAN, TICHNOR, TAYLOR, DAY, WHEELER

 

John PARKER, a native of Rhode Island, served at Valley Forge in the Revolutionary war and died at the age of about ninety.  He married twice and his children were John, David D., Joseph, Hannah, Freelove, Annis, Lucy, and Olive.  David D. PARKER was born in Rupert, Vt., Jan. 17, 1791.  Coming to Perrysburg in 1822, after serving in the War of 1812, he cleared two farms and died Dec. 9, 1875, his children being Mariah H., Olive R., Convis D., Thomas F., Salem T., Salem P., De Forest N., Eugene L. and Josephine L. (twins), Mary C., and Myron M.  The last named was born May 24, 1824, and married Lydia KNAPP.  Children:  Allen C., Spencer B., Capitola, and Salem E.  He has been assessor twelve years and is a farmer near Versailles.  Allen C. PARKER married Mrs. Euretta CHAPMAN, daughter of Elisha TICHNOR, and is a hotel keeper in the same village.

 

De Forest N. PARKER was born in this town Dec. 5, 1832.  Nov. 17, 1863, he married Mary E., daughter of William and Hannah TICHNOR;  children:  Gertrude M., Remington H., and Edith.  Mr. PARKER was deputy provost marshal at Dunkirk during the Rebellion and since 1887 has resided in Buffalo, being by occupation a commercial traveler.  He was supervisor of Perrysburg two years and justice of the peace four years.

 

John PARKER, son of John, who was a son of John, came to Hanover, N. Y., in 1812, and died in Perrysburg in 1859.  He came to this town in 1830.  His wife was Eunice, daughter of Peter PARKER;  children:  David C., Mary P., John, Seth, George F., James, Ezra A., Ann, and Edwin.  George F. PARKER, born in 1821, married Catharine TAYLOR, and has one son, Cassius M., born in 1852, who married Adelle DAY and had one daughter.  George F. served in the Rebellion in Co. B, 72d N. Y. Inf., and was wounded at Williamsburg.  He was transferred to Co. E, 10th N. Y. Vet. Reserve Corps, and was discharged June 20, 1864.  He re-enlisted Oct. 7, 1864, in Co. 1, 87th N. Y. Vol. inf., and served until the war closed.  He was elected coroner in 1872 and served fifteen consecutive years.  He has been justice of the peace since 1879 and is now notary public.

 

Ezra A. PARKER was born Feb. 23, 1829.  Feb. 3, 1853, he married Amy WHEELER, who died July 1, 1890.  Children:  Mary, Hiram W., Myra, S., Arvilla, Cora L., and Ezra N.  Mr. PARKER served in Co. C, 145th Pa. Vols. and died at Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 23, 1863, of typhoid fever.  His daughter Myra occupies the Hiram WHEELER homestead at Versailles.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 958 & 959

 

Surnames:  PELTON, MOORE, NICHOLS, FLOWER, KNAPP, MINOR, KILBORN, COON, BUTTON

 

Taber PELTON, a native of Massachusetts, came to Perrysburg at an early day and died on the PELTON homestead aged fifty-seven.  He married Rosina MOORE.  Children: Taber, Lura, Ishmer, Sarah A., Asenath, Ethimer, William, Elder, Orpha, Mary, Betsey, and Osmyn.  The latter was born in Massachusetts in 1803 and came to this town with his parents, where he died in 1883.  He married Samantha NICHOLS and his children were Orrett L., Simon, Marvin, Irinda, Normanda N., Philetus, Egbert, Lemon and Tyler (twins), Orpha, Jerome, and Nathan P.  Lemon N. PELTON, son of Osmyn, married Phebe A. FLOWER, and is a member of the firm of KNAPP & PELTON, proprietors of the grist-mill at Perrysburg.  Taber PELTON, Jr., married Mary, daughter of Lemuel MINOR, and had one child, Caleb M., born May 30, 1835.  Caleb M. married Mercy A. KILBORN;  children:  John, Mary, William, Wallace, Mark S., Burt H., and Lura.  His second wife is Flora B. COON.

 

Lemuel MINOR was a native of Norwich, Conn. and served seven years and seven months as drum-major in the Revolution, being pressed into the service and discharged personally by Washington.  He came to Perrysburg in 1820 and cleared a farm he purchased with his pension money.  At the time of his death, in Dec., 1848, he was the oldest man in town, his age being ninety-eight.  He married Susan BUTTON and his children were Lemuel, Clara, Charlotte, Mary.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 959

 

Surnames:  PETTIT, SWEET, HALL

 

Dr. James PETTIT was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1776, lived in Onondaga county, and finally settled in Fredonia, N. Y., where he died in 1847.  His son Eber M. was born in Fabius, N. Y., May 3, 1801, and married Euretta SWEET;  children:  Helen E., Harriet, Fred, and James M.  James M. PETTIT was born Jan. 13, 1833, and married Sarah E. HALL;  children:  Eber M., Fred, Helen, and Sarah.  He enlisted in Aug., 1861, in Co. A, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was promoted captain July 2, 1863.  He was wounded at Gettysburg by a minie-ball in the back of the neck and discharged in Dec., 1863.  Mr. PETTIT was supervisor of Perrysburg one term and for several years succeeding 1870 a general merchant, being also a dealer in botanic drugs.  He studied in Kenosha, Wis., was admitted to the bar in 1859, and resides in Fredonia, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 959

 

Surnames:  RUSSELL, HOWLAND, SISSON, PRESS

 

Elihu RUSSELL, son of Jonathan and Zerviah (HOWLAND) RUSSELL, was born in Bristol, Mass., in 1804, and came to Collins, Erie county, with his parents.  He eventually settled in Perrysburg and died in Gowanda, Nov. 12, 1874.  He married Dinah SISSON, who died in Collins, Jury 3, 1867.  Children:  Ruth, Elizabeth, Lucy, Sylvia, and Sophia.  The latter married Ezekiel PRESS and resides in Gowanda, as does also Ruth, who was born July 21, 1836.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 959

 

Surnames:  SHEPARD, MOORE, DOUD, KILLIPS

 

Elijah SHEPARD, a native of Massachusetts, came to Perrysburg among the early settlers and located on what is now the Chester MOORE farm.  He subsequently removed to Fon du Lac, Wis., where he died aged ninety-five.  Children:  Riley, Jane, Manson, Joseph, Selinda, Norman, Sylvester A., David, and Olive.  Sylvester A. SHEPARD was born in 1829 and died in 1874.  He married Eliza MOORE;  children:  Willis and Eugene.  Eugene SHEPARD married Mary DOUD;  children:  Willis and Ida.  Olive SHEPARD married a Mr. KILLIPS, who was killed in a saw-mill in Wisconsin.  Chester MOORE, the father of Mrs. Eliza SHEPARD, was born in Massachusetts and came to Perrysburg after his marriage, settling on a farm when there were but two houses between Gowanda and Nashville.  He died in 1851.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 959

 

Surnames:  SLAWSON, NASH, CARR, HOPPER, PARSELL, FRINK, BROWN

 

Ebenezer SLAWSON was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in 1795, and died in Hanover, N. Y., in 1877.  His father, Ebenezer, was a tailor by trade and a farmer and served seven years in the Revolutionary war, dying in Yates county in Jan., 1820.  His wife was Lydia NASH.  Ebenezer, Jr., married Betsey CARR, who died in this town in 1859.  Children:  Samuel, Melissa, Eliza, Daniel, Caroline, John, and Silas N.  Silas N. SLAWSON was born in Yates county, July 7, 1814.  March 10, 1836, he married Temperance L. HOPPER.  Children:  Newton, Temperance A., and Samuel E.  The latter was born in Hanover, N. Y., May 12, 1850, and married Inez PARSELL, Sept. 17, 1873.  Silas N. SLAWSON married, second, Alice I. FRINK, June 4, 1885.  Newton SLAWSON died in April, 1883.  He married Rose C. BROWN.  He was several years a teacher, twelve years a justice of the peace, and was deputy sheriff at the time of his death.  Silas N. was superintendent of schools in Hanover, Chautauqua county, and town superintendent and commissioner of schools in Perrysburg.  He was one of three delegates from this locality to Philadelphia to organize the U. S. Teachers' Association, and has taught school over twenty years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 959 & 960

 

Surnames:  STAFFORD, WOOD, DIMON, ANSLEY

 

Lilly STAFFORD, son of Lilly and Tirzah (WOOD) STAFFORD, was an early settler of Collins, Erie county, where he died.  His son Timothy R. was born April 14, 1826, and Jan. 4, 1865, married Elnora DIMON;  children:  Nora and Dana L.  He has in his possession the coat of arms of the STAFFORD family handed down from his great-grandfather, of England.  Lilly STAFFORD, Sr., was a silver and gunsmith by trade and passed his life in Massachusetts.  Leander STAFFORD, son of Lilly, Jr., was born May 9, 1824.  Dec. 25, 1852, he married Laura ANSLEY;  children:  Asher C. and Lilly J., both of whom are married.  Leander STAFFORD is now a retired farmer residing in Gowanda.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 960

 

Surnames:  STARR, KEELER, COBURN, BAILEY, MILLHOLLEN, CHAFFEE

 

Samuel STARR, a native of Danbury, Conn., was one of the earliest settlers near the village of Perrysburg, where he died and was buried, and the week following his demise he received from the government a land warrant for services in the Revolutionary war, in which he served at the battle of Bunker Hill.  His wife was Catharine KEELER, who was born on the Hudson, and his children were Orville, Noah, William, Ezra, John, Edwin, Zeborah, Sally, Catharine, and Anna M.  Orville was born in Connecticut, came to this town with his father, and died in 1865.  He married Minerva COBURN, who died in 1871;  children:  John S., Helen, and Phebe C.  Phebe C. STARR was born in Dayton, Jan. 15, 1834, and May 30, 1856, married Anson J. BAILEY, who died the same year.  She married, second, Porter MILLHOLLEN, who died six years afterward, leaving one son, Orville, who now resides with his mother in Perrysburg.  She married for her third husband Marion CHAFFEE, who served in Co. E, 4th Vt. Vols., and died in the Soldiers' Home, Dayton, O., May 16, 1891.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 960

 

Surnames:  STRICKLAND, WALTZ, NASH, BUNCE, WELLS, HALL

 

Samuel K. STRICKLAND was born in Otsego county March 15, 1800, and came to Perrysburg in 1816, whence he subsequently removed to Dayton, where he died aged seventy-six.  He served in the War of 1812 and was at the battle of Plattsburgh.  He married Permelia WALTZ, who died in Dayton in 1863.  Children:  Robert O., Chester D., Mary Ann, Fayette, Jane, John N., Matilda, George F., Mercy, Samuel H., and Mirenus W.  Chester D. STRICKLAND was born Oct. 18, 1818.  April 3, 1845, he married Emeline A. NASH, who was born May 1, 1826, and died July 8, 1884, a daughter of Silas and Sally (BUNCE) NASH, early settlers of Dayton.  Children:  Silas I., Alice, Clorine M., Elva P., Flora J., Dillon D., L. May, and C. Douglass.  Mr. STRICKLAND served in Co. K, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged Oct. 31, 1863.  At the battle of Chancellorsville he was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison four days.

 

George F. STRICKLAND was born Sept. 30, 1829.  In 1851 he married Matilda WELLS, who was born in Dayton in 1839.  They have one daughter, Mary J. (Mrs. Egbert D. HALL).  Peter WALTZ, the father of Mrs. Permelia STRICKLAND, served seven years and nine months in the Revolutionary war and drew a pension, which was subsequently paid to his widow until her death.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 960

 

Surnames:  TOWNSEND, CROSS, COLE, JOHNSON

 

Thomas TOWNSEND was born in Dutchess county, lived for a time in Penn Yan, N. Y., and finally came to Perrysburg, where he died Nov. 17, 1858.  His wife was Polly CROSS;  children:  Luther A., Sally, Abbie, Harriet C., and John R.  The last named was born in Penn Yan, March 3, 1823, and married, June 17, 1852, S. Arvilla, daughter of Ralph and Maria (COLE) JOHNSON, of Dayton, who survives him, residing on the homestead.  Ralph JOHNSON was born in Stafford, Conn., April 3, 1797, came to Dayton in 1815, and died Jan. 11, 1871.  He was the first postmaster in Dayton, for several years its town clerk and supervisor, and one of its earliest inn keepers.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 960 & 961

 

Surnames:  VAN SCHOONHOVEN, SNOW, NEWTON

 

James VAN SCHOONHOVEN, son of Henry, an early settler in Hanover, N. Y., was born in Schoharie county Aug. 24, 1794, and died Sept. 2, 1865.  His son Richard B. was born in Aug., 1837, and married, Dec. 11, 1858, Mary E. SNOW, who died July 8, 1877;  children:  Ruby D., James F., Charles R., and Ethelyn J.  He married, second, Mrs. Elene C. NEWTON, Jan. 11, 1880.  Catharine P., sister of Richard B., married Lewis SNOW and resides in this town.  James VAN SCHOONHOVEN was one of the first settlers in Chautauqua county to manufacture scythe snathes, which he made by hand.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 961

 

Surnames:  VOSBURG, KELLOGG, FILLMORE, BRIGGS, CAMPBELL, WARD, ARNOLD

 

John VOSBURG, son of Isaac and Mary (KELLOGG) VOSBURG, was born in Sheffield, Mass., Aug., 28, 1800, and died Feb. 26, 1873.  In 1823 he married Betsey B. FILLMORE, who died May 31, 1846.  Children:  Mary J., Charles, William F., Laura S., Franklin B., Annette, George L., Caroline M., Norton N., Harry, and Sydna J.  George L. VOSBURG, born May 1, 1838, married, April 5, 1859, Eliza A., daughter of Chancellor and Ann (BRIGGS) CAMPBELL, and has children John C. and Annette.  The latter married George B. WARD and has children Laura S., Harry, and Mary A.  John C. VOSBURG married Clara ARNOLD.  Cyrus FILLMORE, the father of Mrs. Betsey B. VOSBURG, served seven years in the Revolution, drew a pension, and died at Collins, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1847.  George L. VOSBURG was a constable in Gowanda fourteen years, deputy sheriff two years, and conducted the stage and, livery business of Gowanda twelve years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 961

 

Surnames:  WELLS, HOPKINS, SHANNON, CROWELL, DARLING

 

Elijah WELLS, son of Elijah, who served in the war of the Revolution., was born in Conway, Mass., and came to Perrysburg in 1819, settling on a farm near the center of the town, where he died March 8, 1825.  He married Mercy HOPKINS, daughter of Seth, a Revolutionary soldier; she died here aged sixty-nine.  Children:  John, Dexter, Elijah, Luther, Clarissa, Thomas H.  Thomas H. WELLS was born in Conway, Mass., Feb. 16, 1809.  Coming to Perrysburg with his parents in 1819 he married, March 16, 1828, Betsey SHANNON, who was born Oct. 2, 1809.  Children:  Warren, Adaline, Marian D., Mercy J., and Florinda.  He is now a farmer on the homestead and enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest men in town.  Warren WELLS, born Oct. 22, 1832, married Julia CROWELL and has children Ellie A., Flora A., Grant E., Thomas F., and Harley E.  Marian D. married Leonard DARLING, Jan. 1, 1856, and has children Willie H., Addie D., and Elmer L.  Mr. DARLING was killed at the Second Bull Run, Aug. 27, 1862, while serving in Co. H, 44th N. Y. Vols., in which he enlisted Sept. 15, 1861.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 961

 

Surnames:  WOOD, HICKS, DAVIS, OSTRANDER

 

Lemuel H. WOOD was born July 6, 1844, a son of Joseph and Sally (HICKS) WOOD, and is now a farmer.  He has been supervisor of Perrysburg since 1891 and has also served as assessor and highway commissioner.  He married Alice F., daughter of Egbert and Cynthia (DAVIS) OSTRANDER, who was born April 29, 1846.  Joseph WOOD was a native of Vermont, served in the War of 1812, and removed from Saratoga, N. Y., to Silver Creek, whence he finally came to this town, where he cleared a farm at "Ruggtown" and died in 1866.  Children:  Joseph D., William, Ami, Dudley, Vashta, Betsey, Polly, Sarah F., Russell, and Lemuel H.  Russell WOOD served in the Ellsworth Zouaves and died at his home in 1864.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Pages 961 & 962

 

Surnames:  WOODIN, BECKWITH, BOTSFORD, BUTLER, SOULE, ALLEN, DERBY, HAWKINS, VOSBURG, ACKLEY

 

Homer WOODIN was born in Bristol, Conn., July 6, 1806.  March 10, 1829, he married Vashti BECKWITH, who was born in Burlington, Conn., May 14, 1805.  In Nov. following they joined Luzon BOTSFORD in Otto, whose wife Polly was Mrs. WOODIN's sister.  He purchased the improvements of Harvey BUTLER for which he paid $300 cash.  He then went to the land office in Ellicottville and paid $25, and received a new contract.  His land cost him, besides the $300 paid for the improvements, $1.25 per acre.  About 1850 he traded this farm for another of 400 acres known as the Stephen SOULE place.  About 1857 he left this farm to his sons William and Martin H., and bought the farm of Warren ALLEN, containing 330 acres, where he resided until 1869, when he purchased a home containing thirty acres adjoining, where he resided the remainder of his life.  After Mr. WOODIN located in Perrysburg he engaged in dealing in butter and cheese, and it is said of him that he bought more cheese and handled more money at that time than any other man in the county.  He was first a Whig and later a staunch Republican.  He served as assessor and justice of the peace many years, but when his party nominated him assemblyman he refused to accept.  Mr. WOODIN died Dec. 12, 1875.  Mrs. WOODIN survives him and resides in the village of Dayton.

 

Homer E. WOODIN, son of William and Abi (DERBY) WOODIN and grandson of Homer, was born in Otto, July 8, 1860.  Feb. 23, 1877, he married a daughter of Elijah HAWKINS, of Persia;  children:  Inez M., born Nov. 23, 1879, died Oct. 16, 1890, and Homer E., born Dec. 27, 1889.  He is a farmer on the VOSBURG farm, where he has lived fifteen years.  Elijah HAWKINS was born in Vermont, Nov. 10, 1815, and died Jan. 9, 1878.  His wife, Roxana ACKLEY, was born in Persia, Sept. 27, 1828.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Perrysburg – Chapter XLI (41)

Page 962

 

Surnames:  ZIMMERMAN, HINK, DURAND

 

Charles ZIMMERMAN, son of Michael, married, in Denmark, Europe, Mary, daughter of John Mathias HINK, a distiller and brewer.  They came to America in 1854 and to Perrysburg in 1881, where he died Sept. 20, 1872.  Children:  Fred, Charles, Amelia, and Henrietta.  Fred ZIMMERMAN married Amelia DURAND and has children Mamie, Laura, and Bessie.  Henrietta is a talented musician and Fred is musical director in the Girard avenue theater, Philadelphia.  Charles also holds a similar position in a traveling troupe.

 

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TOWN OF PERSIA

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 984

 

Surnames:  ACKLER, CRANDALL

 

Peter ACKLER, born on the Mohawk river, married Abigail GIBBS in Rush, N. Y.  He was a farmer and in 1824 came to Persia and settled on lot 59.  He subsequently settled permanently on the farm where his son Henry F. now lives.  This farm was located on the old Indian trail.  He had three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living.  Mr. ACKLER died on the homestead in the spring of 1851.  His oldest son, Willard, born in Rush, N. Y., April 8, 1823, came to Persia with his parents and has since been a resident of this town.  In 1850 he married Betsey CRANDALL.  In 1851 he purchased the CRANDALL homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 984

 

Surnames:  ACKLEY, SEABROOK, ALLEN, WHITE, ALVERSON, CRANDALL, WELLS, SILLIMAN, AVERILL

 

Ira W. ACKLEY, born in Lancaster, N. Y., in 1806, married Mary SEABROOK, a descendant of the English family who settled SEABROOK Island, South Carolina.  He early settled in Hidi, and being a millwright assisted Ahaz ALLEN in building the first saw-mill there.  Soon after he purchased 100 acres of woodland on lot 57 where his son John S. now lives.  The place he chose for his home was near a large spring, which was evidently a resort of the Indians.  The present proprietor has found numerous arrowheads, stone axes, and stone implements for skinning game, a stone rasp, and other curiosities.  Mr. ACKLEY was elected to several town offices.  He was deputized by Sheriff WHITE to call out the militia and went with them to the Dutch Hill war.  He joined the Emigrant Aid Society of Massachusetts at the time of border ruffian troubles in Kansas and was one of the original founders of the city of Lawrence, and was also the millwright in building the first mill in that city.  He died where his daughter, Mrs. ALVERSON, now lives in 1888.  Mrs. ACKLEY died about 1875.  Children: Orlando A.; Melissa E. (Mrs. ALVERSON); John Seabrook, who married Alzina, daughter of William CRANDALL, of Persia; Thomas B. (deceased); and Mary, widow of Luther N. WELLS.

 

Orlando A. ACKLEY was born in Hidi, July 7, 1831.  Jan. 1, 1856, he married Elizabeth SILLIMAN, and in 1860 located on the farm where Samuel AVERILL settled.  On this he has found numerous arrowheads and tomahawks, etc.  Mr. ACKLEY is a prominent Democrat, and has served as highway commissioner twelve consecutive years and as overseer of the poor four years.  Mrs. ACKLEY died Feb. 3, 1892.  Children: Ira W., born in 1861, and Denver D., born in 1870.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 984 & 985

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, HIBBARD, BABCOCK, BARTLETT, RUSSELL, STAFFORD, STURDEVANT, WITHERELL, GRISWOLD, JOLLS, BURCH, HARTMAN, ERDLE, WHEELER

 

Ahaz ALLEN was born at Warwick, Mass., May 7, 1782, and died May 29, 1864.  Oct. 13, 1808, at Lancaster, N. Y., he married Sibyl HIBBARD, who died July 2, 1876.  Mr. ALLEN and his family were the first white settlers in the town of Persia.  They located at Hidi in May, 1812.  He was a typical pioneer and became prominent in local affairs.  He carried on large business operations, employing more or less help, and took an, active interest in everything conducive to the growth of the young community.  He had a family of twelve children, of whom Caroline was the first white child born in town, her birth occurring Sept. 15, 1813.  Dan ALLEN, a brother of Ahaz, was born June 30, 1780, and died in Sept., 1853.  He settled in Hidi in 1816, and in 1819 was supervisor of the town of Perrysburg.

 

Norman Hibbard ALLEN was born Aug. 22, 1811, near what is known as Zoar.  He was the second child of Ahaz and Sibyl (HIBBARD) ALLEN.  At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school in Cattaraugus and Erie counties, which he continued winters until 1835; the last school he taught in this vicinity was in the town of Perrysburg in the winter of 1834-35 and numbered eighty pupils.  In June, 1835, he removed to Michigan, where he became a carpenter and joiner, which business he continued until the spring of 1836, when he was called back to this town by the sickness and death of his sister Caroline.  In May, 1837, he returned again to Michigan, where he remained until about the close of 1839, when he settled on a farm in Persia on lot 56, and has continued farming to the present time, now living on lot 8, town 6, range 8.  Nov. 29, 1846, he married Roanna, daughter of J. C. and Catharine R. BABCOCK, of this town, who died March 2, 1863.  Children: Millard N.; Norman B.; and Harmony R., born July 29, 1856, married Edward M. BARTLETT, a farmer of Fredonia, Chautauqua county.  Norman H. ALLEN was a Whig in politics until the formation of the Republican party, with which he has since been identified.  His second marriage (Oct. 25, 1864) was with Phebe, daughter of Lilly and Elizabeth (RUSSELL) STAFFORD, a native of Collins, Erie county, who was born Oct. 5, 1820; her parents were from Dartmouth, Mass.  They occupy the same farm and house purchased by Mr. ALLEN in 1850.

 

Truman P. ALLEN, son of Ahaz, was born at Hidi, Nov. 10, 1819.  April 18, 1843, he married Janette J., daughter of Abel and Fanny (STURDEVANT) WITHERELL.  For one year he carried on a portion of his father's farm on shares and in the fall of 1843 moved onto a farm of fifty-six acres on lot 8 which was given to him by his father.  Here he remained until 1857, in the meantime having built upon it one of the finest farm houses in the town.  In 1857 he removed to Michigan and located some 1,200 or 1,500 acres of land in Oceana county and 7 1/2 acres in Grand Rapids.  Feb. 1, 1858, on account of fever and ague, he returned and settled again on a farm at Point Peter.  His business has always been farming and dealing in real estate.  Children: The first child, born Feb, 14, 1844, died when four days old; Eliza S., born Aug. 4, 1845, married Darwin C. GRISWOLD, of Sheridan, N. Y., who died Sept. 9, 1870, and she married, second, L. W. JOLLS of Collins, Erie county; Freeman S., born Feb. 1, 1849, married, July 5, 1871, Lucy BURCH, of South Haven; Gilbert W., born June 15, 1854, married Frances HARTMAN, Dec. 7, 1876, and resides on a farm on lot 17; Alzona V., born Nov. 16, 1859, married George ERDLE, of Sheridan, N.Y.; and Arthur R., born March 17, 1863, drowned in Cattaraugus creek June 25, 1874.  The mother died Nov. 18, 1870.  Mr. ALLEN married, second, Jennie L. WHEELER, of Richmond, N. H., Oct. 18, 1874.  Politically Mr. ALLEN was a strong abolitionist; since 1854 he has been principally identified with the Republican party.  He is the oldest person now living in Gowanda who was born in what is now that village.  He has ever been a strong anti-slavery and anti-liquor advocate and favors equal suffrage irrespective of color, race, or sex.  He also believes that no one can rightfully own real estate; "it should be as free to all human kind as the air, the water, or the sunlight, yet each should own whatever improvements he may have caused to be put on a limited amount of land."

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 985

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, PRENTISS, MERRILL

 

Capt. Benjamin J. ALLEN, a native of Connecticut, came to Persia about 1830 and settled at Allen's Switch near what is now Persia postoffice, where his grandson, Bert ALLEN, now lives.  In early life he took an active interest in military affairs and held the office of captain.  He was justice of the peace and overseer of the poor.  He was an inveterate joker and a witty storyteller, and left behind him many trite sayings.  He married Sally PRENTISS, of Massachusetts, who died July 14, 1869.  Children: Morgan, who died in Kansas; Alpheus, who died in childhood; Sarah E. (widow of Johnson MERRILL), who resides in the west part of Dayton; and Pearl S., born on the homestead in Feb., 1839, who with his sister resides near Wesley postoffice.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 986

 

Surnames:  ALLEN, BENNETT, SPRINGER

 

Millard N. ALLEN was born Sept. 23, 1847, at Point Peter, in a log house where his father, Norman H. ALLEN, first resided.  He attended the district schools of his native town, the Gowanda Union School, and the Fredonia Academy one term in the last year of that institution, and also Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.  He was a clerk for T. Catlin, of Newburgh, N. Y., eight months, and in 1870 became a clerk in the store of Hard & Hughes, of Dunkirk, but a few months later went into the freight office of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad at Dunkirk and afterward at Brocton, remaining about three years in both offices.  July 23, 1874, he married Eliza M., daughter of the late Lyman BENNETT, of this town, and located permanently in Gowanda in the drug and book business, being now in company with his brother Norman B.  The business was begun by them June 1, 1873.  He has one son, Arthur B., born April 8, 1881.  At the re-organizing of Relief Lodge, No. 511, of Odd Fellows at Gowanda, Jan. 8, 1884, he was one of the new members and became an active worker, rising step by step till he passed the chairs, and on Aug. 18, 1892, was appointed district deputy grand master of the county of Cattaraugus, being re-appointed at the session of Aug. 24, 1893, at New York.  During his first year in this position he instituted three new lodges of the order: Franklinville, No. 643, West Valley, No. 665, and Little Valley, No. 671, as against three lodges instituted during the nine years preceding.  He has been a regular attendant of the Grand Lodge as a representative during the last five years.

 

Norman B. ALLEN, son of Norman H., was born in Persia, June 29, 1851.  He was educated in the common schools and had two terms in the Union Free School in Gowanda.  At the age of nineteen he entered a drug store and after about two years' experience in Gowanda and in Pennsylvania he opened in the spring of 1873 a drug store in Gowanda in company with his brother, Millard N. ALLEN, under the firm name of N. B. ALLEN & Co.  About two years later the name was changed to ALLEN Brothers.  Aug. 26, 1872, he married Ella A., daughter of the late Samuel C. SPRINGER, of Gowanda.  They have one son, Walter S., born Nov. 20, 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 986 & 987

 

Surnames:  ALVERSON, STRONG, SEABROOK, ACKLEY, BABB

 

Anson E. ALVERSON, son of Emory and Mary A. (STRONG) ALVERSON, was born in Gerry, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1832.  His grandfather, James R. ALVERSON, a soldier in the War of 1812 and a native of Connecticut, came to Gerry from Vermont at a very early day.  He held town offices and raised a large family.  Emory ALVERSON, born in Brattleboro, Vt., in 1806, married Mary Ann, daughter of Gilbert STRONG, about 1830.  In 1836 he removed to Gowanda and purchased a manufactory for making pails and tubs.  In 1850 he exchanged this for the old Point Peter farm.  In 1856 he joined his son Anson E. in Lawrence, Kan., and died in Clay county, Kan., in 1881.  Mrs. ALVERSON died in 1857.  Anson E. ALVERSON finished his education in the academy at Ellington, N. Y.  April 26, 1852, he married Melissa, daughter of Ira W. and Mary (SEABROOK) ACKLEY, and settled on the homestead, when he went to Lawrence, Kan., and joined the Emigrant Aid Society from Massachusetts, being one of the 107 founders of that settlement.  In the summer of 1859 he and his father made an overland trip to Denver, Col., with four ox-teams.  Mr. ALVERSON is a natural mechanic and assisted his father-in-law as a millwright.  In 1860 he returned to this county and settled in Cattaraugus village.  In July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged Feb. 23, 1863, for disability.  He served as private, corporal, and sergeant.  In Oct., 1863, he went to the oil regions of Rouseville, PA., where he was a laborer, a well-driller, and an oil producer until 1875.  He then removed to Cattaraugus.  In 1888 he visited Virginia, Chicago, Duluth, and Washington territory, where he remained four years.  He is now a farmer just outside the corporation of Gowanda.  Mr. ALVERSON served as highway commissioner of New Albion in 1883 and built the first iron bridge in that town.  Children: Rollin A., born in 1853, died in Lawrence in Aug., 1855; Mary U., born in 1856, married Thomas BABB, of Cattaraugus, and resides in Chicago; Corlin E., born in 1860; George S., born in 1864; Nathan A., born in Dec., 1869; and Chanley W., born in 1875.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 987

 

Surnames:  ARMES, RHOADES, FORAN, ALLEN, BROOKS, SHUGERT, KINGSLEY, ELLSWORTH

 

John ARMES, born in Canada, near Vermont, May 13, 1788, married Catherine RHOADES, and settled first in Genesee county.  He removed to Napoli in 1831, where he died Nov. 26, 1867.  Mrs. ARMES died March 7, 1865.  Children: Justus R., who died in Wisconsin; Luther W., who married Maryette M. RHOADES, Nov. 23, 1850, settled on the homestead, and died April 11, 1891; William, who died in Pennsylvania; Emily (Mrs. John FORAN) who died in Wisconsin; Clarinda (Mrs. William ALLEN), of Minnesota; Martha; Eusebia, of Jackson, Minn.; and Nelson E., who emigrated to Minnesota, married there a Miss BROOKS, and was a soldier in the Civil war.

 

Victor C. ARMES, son of Eusebia (ARMES) ALLEN, was born in Napoli and was adopted by his uncle, Luther ARMES.  At the age of fifteen he entered Chamberlain Institute, where he was a student about four years.  He then went to Minnesota, where he engaged as a teacher.  Returning a year later he taught the ensuing seven years in district and graded schools, and in Feb., 1885, he purchased the drug business of Dr. J. S. SHUGERT and subsequently the drug stock of T. N. KINGSLEY (deceased).  Aug. 5, 1881, he married Cora, daughter of Marcus ELLSWORTH.  Children: Max, Gertrude, Maud, and Harry.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 987 & 988

 

Surnames:  BABCOCK, REINHARDT, LANGWORTHY, COOK

 

John C. BABCOCK, a native of Rhode Island, was born Nov. 14, 1782.  He married Catherine REINHARDT, April 15, 1813, who was born Nov. 14, 1792.  He was a sailor on a merchant vessel and about the time of his marriage he settled in Schoharie county, where he was superintendent of a turnpike connecting Cherry Valley with Albany.  In 1824 he removed with his wife and three children to Cattaraugus county and settled in Persia.  Mr. BABCOCK opened his log cabin as a tavern.  He was widely known, influential and prominent, and served as overseer of the poor several years.  He died on his farm March 12, 1850.  Mrs. BABCOCK died May 21, 1838.  Children: Louisa, Roanna, and John R., who were born in Schoharie county, and Horace, who was born on the homestead.  (For sketch of Dr. Horace BABCOCK see page 167.)

 

Oliver C. BABCOCK was born in Brookfield, N. Y., June 8, 1807, and died Dec. 26, 1886.  Nov. 10, 1827, he married Emma LANGWORTHY, who was born in Bridgewater, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1806.  Mr. BABCOCK's parents were born in Rhode Island.  They were very superstitious, the mother especially, and these false conceptions were early instilled into the young mind of the son.  He was taught that witches prowled around nights and plied their nefarious trades in the air and in the stillness of the household.  In consequence he went from one extreme to the other and throughout life retained many of the fallacies he imbibed in childhood.  Nevertheless he possessed sterling traits of character and an indomitable perseverance.  He kept Saturday as the sabbath in accordance with his honest convictions and during its existence was one of the foremost members of the Seventh Day Baptist church in Persia.  He had fifteen children, one of whom is George C., still living in town.  Another is Francis M., who was born in Brookfield, Dec. 8, 1828, and was educated in the common schools in the Seventh Day settlement.  A natural mechanic he became a carpenter and millwright and followed those avocations until about 1866; afterward he was a farmer.  In 1871 he settled on the farm where his son Oliver C. now lives, where he died May 31, 1882.  Jan. 1, 1854, he married Avilda BABCOCK, a native of Pennsylvania, who survives him.  Their only child, Oliver C., married Flora A. COOK, of Forestville, N. Y., March 16, 1879, and settled on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 988

 

Surnames:  BUCHAN, HERON

 

Robert BUCHAN was born in Ontario, Canada, Feb. 6, 1850.  He served an apprenticeship at the baker's trade in Fergus, Canada, and in 1870 removed to Buffalo, where he worked for George Mugeidge & Son thirteen years.  In 1889 he started a bakery at North Evans, Erie county, which he carried on until September, 1890, when he came to Gowanda and commenced the same business.  Jan. 7, 1874, he married Annie L. HERON, of Maxwell, Gray county, Can.  Children: Charles A., born July 9, 1876; Robert J., born June 14, 1878; Florence A., born Oct. 25, 1882; Frank W., born April 5, 1885; Lucy L. who died in 1889; and Thomas W., who died in 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 988 & 989

 

Surnames: CHAFFEE, NICHOLS, BUGBY, ELLIS, FANCHER, CRANDALL, OSBORN, SNYDER, BECKWITH, WOODIN

 

Amasa L. CHAFFEE, a native of Rutland, Vt., was born Nov. 28, 1797.  Aug. 24, 1819, he married Lydia Wade NICHOLS, who was born May 3, 1802, and who died July 3, 1879.  In 1820, after a short residence in Attica, N. Y., he came to Gowanda and in company with his brother-in-law, Alvin BUGBY, erected a wool-carding and cloth-dressing-mill, which he conducted until 1831.  He was also distinguished as the first inhabitant of Gowanda who built a brick chimney in his house.  He was elected justice of the peace of Perrysburg and held the position in Perrysburg and Persia most of the time until 1843.  He also conducted a book-store and sold flour, which in 1837 brought $14 per barrel.  In 1838 he began a general mercantile business, which he conducted to the close of his life.  He was a fifer-soldier in the War of 1812 and always interested in military affairs, being captain of militia.  In 1849 and again in 1853 he represented Persia on the Board of Supervisors.  He was an active member of the Methodist church and in politics was first a Democrat, but joined the Republican party at its organization.  Mr. CHAFFEE died Dec. 5, 1869.  Children: Lydia A. (Mrs. Dr. David E. ELLIS), of Belvidere, Ill.; Amasa W. W.; James H., of Jamestown; and Charles W., Newton A., Mary H., of Gowanda.

 

Amasa W. W. CHAFFEE, born at Aldrich Mills, Perrysburg (now Gowanda), July 21, 1826, was educated in his father's store, and at the age of twenty-one was admitted a partner with his father under the firm name of A. L. CHAFFEE & Son.  Since then he has been constantly in mercantile business in Gowanda or engaged as a commercial traveler.  July 3, 1848, he married Jane M., daughter of Harlow and Freelove (FANCHER) CRANDALL, of Sandy Hill, N. Y.  Children: Marvin W., born March 12, 1851, died in Nov., 1852; Clarence M., born Nov. 23, 1853, married Helen OSBORN, of Girard, Ohio, and is a member of the firm of SNYDER, CHAFFEE & Co., of Columbus, Ohio; Vernon E., born Dec. 9, 1859, died Dec. 12, 1876; and an adopted child, born Sept. 1, 1873.

 

Charles Warren CHAFFEE, born July 15, 1837, received his education in the common schools and in his father's store, where he was engaged from the age of eighteen years until he was about twenty-six.  For five years he was the general agent of the Singer Sewing Machine Company for Cattaraugus County and a part of Erie county.  In 1872 and 1873 he was the traveling agent of the company.  He was next with the Howe Sewing Machine Company until they failed.  In 1874 he was traveling salesman for Kingsbury, Abbott & Hulett, of New York.  In 1876 he was engaged with O. P. Ramsdell & Co. and eighteen months later with Chase & Comstock, both of Buffalo.  After two years he accepted an offer from E. C. Hazzard & Co., of New York, and traveled for them until 1885.  He was then in the employment of Berry, Wisner, Lohman & Co. until 1890, when he was engaged as traveling agent for the Life and Reserve Life Insurance Company, of Buffalo.  He has also been engaged with other concerns.  June 21, 1860, he married Lydia A., daughter of Homer and Vashti (BECKWITH) WOODIN; children: Ida Elnora, born Sept. 27, 1862, died July 17, 1865; William Wallace, born Sept. 25, 1864; and Dora Woodin, born July 20, 1870.

 

Newton A. CHAFFEE was born Aug. 31, 1841.  Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in the 154th N. Y. Vols. and Aug. 29th the regiment was in active service as a part of the Eleventh Army Corps.  He was at the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and marched with General Sherman's army to the sea.  He was quartermaster-sergeant eighteen months, after which he was detailed to corps headquarters, where he served until he was discharged June 20, 1865.  He is a member of Darby Post, G. A. R., and has served as its commander.  From March 20, 1868, to Sept., 1883, he was a merchant at Dayton, and was also postmaster and loan commissioner.  He returned to Gowanda and formed a partnership with his brother, A. W. W. CHAFFEE, as merchant tailors, which closed in Feb., 1891.  June 6, 1866, he married Luna, daughter of Homer and Vashti WOODIN.  They have an only daughter, Lorena, born Aug. 19, 1867.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 989

 

Surnames: DARBY, SAWYER, CALKINS, ROLF, MOREHOUSE, HULETT, WHITCOMB, HERRICK, CAMPBELL, COX, BEAVER, AUSTIN

 

Elisha DARBY, son of Daniel and Abigail (SAWYER) DARBY, was born near Salem, Mass., March 20, 1790.  He married Dolly CALKINS, of Arlington, Vt., daughter of John CALKINS, a soldier in the Revolution.  Elias Haskell DARBY, uncle of Elisha DARBY, rendered distinguished service to his country, by lending money to the government and aiding in restoring American commerce.  He also established an institution for the education of seamen in the U. S. navy.  Daniel DARBY was a captain and led his company in the struggle for independence.  Elisha DARBY, in 1828, moved with his wife and five children to this town, settling on lots 5 and 6 at the junction of the north and south branches of Cattaraugus creek.  He purchased the improvements of Ephraim ROLF, who succeeded Walter MOREHOUSE, the first and original settler on the place.  Mr. DARBY died June 11, 1872; Mrs. DARBY died April 1, 1870.  Children: Almira (Mrs. Asahel HULETT), who died in Dayton; Harriet Jane (Mrs. Nathaniel WHITCOMB), who died in Gowanda; Olive E. (Mrs. Alfred HERRICK), who died in New Albion; Charles F.; Abi S. (Mrs. Colin CAMPBELL), of Perrysburg; and Amelia, who died aged six years.  Charles F. DARBY, born Aug. 27, 1822, taught seven winters of school, and married, Aug. 26, 1849, Sarah M., daughter of Sylvester M. COX, of Otto.  He settled on the homestead on DARBY flats, which he still owns.  Children: Sylvester, deceased; Carlton E., who married Lizzie BEAVER; Carrie S. (Mrs. Addison AUSTIN), of Otto; and Nellie S.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 989 & 990

 

Surnames:  DORSEY, DE ORSEY

 

H. W. DORSEY was born in Port au Prince, Hayti, June 7, 1840, where he lived until Dec. 26, 1860, when he embarked on a coasting vessel bound for Porto Rico, arriving Jan. 13, 1861.  Remaining there until the 20th of the same month he embarked on the three-masted schooner Mobile for the United States and arrived at New Orleans, La., on Feb. 14th.  Mardi Gras was being celebrated.  Meeting no one who spoke Spanish, and not being able to speak English, he found himself a veritable stranger in a strange land and unable to prosecute the search he had undertaken to find his father, mother, and sister, who had left Hayti in 1856, and whom he had not heard from since.  His father had held an important office in the Haytian government, but with many others allowed himself to become a victim to his ambition and in 1855 found his army of insurgents defeated, his property confiscated, and a price set upon his capture and delivery to the Bayez government.  He fled, taking his wife and daughter, and the son, being away at school, knew nothing of their flight until some time afterward.  As soon as H. W. could make himself understood he began making inquiries for Sir Allen DE ORSEY, the name by which his father was known at home.  He inserted an advertisement in the New Orleans papers, but immediately after Fort Sumter was captured and the Rebellion begun.  The city was blockaded until Butler came, and the first mails brought a copy of the New York Tribune, in which he found an answer to his advertisement, wherein he learned that his father was living with his family at Montrose, Pa.  He was given transportation to New York city by the steamer Merrimac and was soon reunited with the family.  He soon became imbued with the spirit of war and after President Lincoln's proclamation of emancipation enlisted and served until mustered out Oct. 25, 1863.  His parents having died during his term of service he had his only sister to care for and after placing her at the Davenport Institute in Elmira, N. Y., he came to Gowanda in Oct., 1869.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 990

 

Surnames:  GAENSSLEN, FEDERSPAD, STORMS

 

Albert GAENSSLEN was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 18, 1828.  In June, 1849, he came to America and was employed at his trade in Hamburg, Erie county, three years.  In 1852 he began business for himself in Hidi by converting the old woolen-mill into an upper-leather tannery.  He began the trade of tanner and currier in Germany at the age of fourteen.  He is a member of the present firm of GAENSSLEN Brothers.  Mr. GAENSSLEN is a worthy and respected citizen, is a Democrat in politics, has served as justice of the peace, and has been excise commissioner sixteen years.  He is also president of the Bank of Gowanda.  May 20, 1852, he married Eve FEDERSPAD and has one son living, Henry GAENSSLEN, born May 20, 1855, who, in 1879, married Frances STORMS, of Buffalo, by whom he has a daughter, Harmony A., and a son, Albert A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 990

 

Surnames:  HALL, OSTRANDER, TITUS

 

Frank D. HALL, born in Perrysburg, Sept. 8, 1855, is a son of Stephen R. and Ann J. (OSTRANDER) HALL.  Stephen R. was born in Chautauqua county and his wife in Perrysburg.  Frank D. attended the academy at Forestville and afterward engaged with Brown & Cole, proprietors of the Adams pump works at Gowanda, remaining with them two years, when he became a member of the firm as Brown, Cole & Co.  Three years later he purchased the business and removed it to the Cattaraugus county side, where he still carries it on.  He married, Nov. 28, 1877, Eva M., daughter of Silas TITUS.  Children: Ethel M., born July 31, 1880; Edith A., born Nov. 21, 1881; and S. Rolland, born April 25, 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 990 & 991

 

Surnames:  HARTWELL, HIGBEE, LUCE, RICH, INGERSOLL, PERKINS, SNYDER, McCOLLISTER

 

Calvin HARTWELL, born about 1797, married Minerva, daughter of William HIGBEE, a pioneer of New Albion (q. v.).  About 1828 he came from Albion, Orleans county, to Snyder hill in New Albion with his wife and two children.  He eventually sold his farm and about 1850 bought a partially improved one in Skinner hollow in Persia, where he died April 1, 1861.  Mrs. HARTWELL died in Cattaraugus, Nov. 7, 1884.  Mr. HARTWELL served in the War of 1812.  Children: Sophronia (Mrs. Charles LUCE), who died in Adrian, Mich.; Mary D., deceased; Laura (Mrs. Merritt RICH), who died in Persia; Russell S.; Daniel, of Wisconsin; Almedia (Mrs. Richard INGERSOLL), of Leon; Almira (Mrs. Lorenzo PERKINS), who died in Orleans county; and Alvira (Mrs. Horace SNYDER), of Buffalo.  Russell S. HARTWELL was born Feb. 20, 1832, was a carpenter until twenty-seven years of age, and in 1858 bought a farm in Persia, where he resided four years, when he sold and bought another in Leon, where he resided eight months.  He sold again and bought in Dayton, where he was a farmer another year, and in 1866 he purchased his present home in Persia.  He also resided in Cattaraugus thirteen years.  He married, in Dec., 1860, Rachel M. INGERSOLL, who died Sept. 17, 1879.  Dec. 27, 1882, he married Mrs. Mary McCOLLISTER, who has borne him a son and a daughter.  He is a Democrat and has been highway commissioner in New Albion and overseer of the poor and highway commissioner in Persia.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 991

 

Surnames:  HILL, MACMILLAN, STERLING, SPENCER, SISSON, SLOCUM, WALKER

 

Millen T. HILL was born in Geneseo, N. Y., Feb. 18, 1818.  His grandfather came from Scotland and settled in Rhode Island, and afterward removed to Genesee county.  An uncle of his mother; one MACMILLAN by name, bearing the title in his native country (Scotland) of Lord STERLING, was a member of the court-martial which tried and sentenced Major Andre.  At the age of two years Millen T. HILL came to Cattaraugus county with his parents, who settled in what is now New Albion.  Mr. HILL came to Lodi in 1827 and has been a resident of what is now the village of Gowanda ever since he learned the trade of cabinet-maker in Lodi, which business he carried on many years.  Afterward for a number of years he carried on the lumber business, purchasing a saw-mill on Thatcher brook which had been built by Phineas SPENCER.  In 1856 he began manufacturing cheese boxes.  He married Patience, daughter of Willard and Ruth (SISSON) SLOCUM.  They have one daughter, Jane, who married Jesse WALKER, who, in July, 1889, fell from a building and died three weeks later.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 991

 

Surnames:  HOWARD, PIERCE

 

George W. HOWARD was born in Norfolk county, England, in 1840.  In 1856 he immigrated to this country, settling first in Gowanda, where he has since made his home.  In 1868 he married Mary A., daughter of J. S. PIERCE, of Persia.  Her father removed to this county from Schoharie county. N. Y., and was a native of Bennington, Vt.  George W. HOWARD has children:  Frank, Arthur, Georgie, Blanche, Bessie, Beatrice, Myrtle, and Hazel.  In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf. from Gowanda, and was afterward transferred to the regimental band.  He served in Hancock's Second Army Corps until discharged at the expiration of his three years' term of service.  He has been commander of Darby Post, No. 359, G. A. R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 991

 

Surnames:  JENKS, SUNDERLAND, WALDRON

 

Lemuel S. JENKS, born in Covington, N. Y., about 1815, early became a teacher of common schools, and subsequently received the appointment and served as a guard in the prison at Auburn.  He became a partner with William SUNDERLAND, of Auburn, and sold dry goods and Yankee notions from his own conveyance on the road, which he continued until about the time of the completion of the Erie railroad in 1851.  In 1840 he married Marietta WALDRON, of Scipio, and soon after settled in Gowanda.  He was supervisor of Persia from 1857 to 1868 inclusive.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 991

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, TOTMAN

 

August T. JOHNSON, born in Sweden in 1854, emigrated to America in 1872, and labored with the farmers seven years.  From 1879 to 1892 he was engaged as a clerk in mercantile business.  Feb. 10, 1892, he opened a grocery store in Gowanda, where he is now engaged.  Feb. 14, 1882, he married Jennie, daughter of Rev. Harvey TOTMAN, of Cassadaga, N. Y.  Children: Floyd H., Elden V., and Edna Johanna.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 991 & 992

 

Surnames:  KAMMERER, CHAFFEE, RICH, FEDERSPIEL, WILBER, BOESCHAT, ROLLINSON

 

John KAMMERER, born in Baden, Germany, July 21, 1832, spent his boyhood in attending school and assisting in his father's grist-mill and brick-yard.  At the age of seventeen he went to New Brezek, France, engaging as clerk in a general store and remaining two years, until the breaking out of the French Revolution.  He returned to Baden, where, in 1852, he was drafted into the German army.  He had six brothers and one sister.  Four of the brothers were conscripted.  John KAMMERER remained in the service three months, when he came to the United States, landing in New York city in the fall of 1852.  A few months later he removed to Buffalo, where he learned the trade of tinsmith.  In 1856 he removed to Hamburg, Erie county, where he worked as a journeyman.  In 1861 he started a tinware store and hardware trade at Langford, carrying on the business until 1868, when he removed to Gowanda and bought out the hardware business of J. H. CHAFFEE.  In 1871 he sold this to C. H. RICH & Co., but bought it back again one year afterward, and since then he has carried on the business in the same store.  In 1858 he married Regina FEDERSPIEL, a native of Buffalo, whose parents came to this country from Loraine, France.  Children: Frank W., born in August, 1859, married Jennie, daughter of James WILBER, of Collins Center; Mary, born in 1861, married F. P. BOESCHAT, of Buffalo; and Tillie, born in 1864, married C. F. ROLLINSON.  He has been for several years a member of the Board of Education.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 992

 

Surnames:  KENNICOTT, WHIPPLE

 

Robert A. KENNICOTT was born in New Albion, July 5, 1863 (see page 842).  He attended school in Chicago, his father having removed to that city.  In 1877 the family returned to this county where he attended the Chamberlain Institute at Randolph.  In 1883 he established a grocery trade at New Albion, which he carried on two years.  In 1885 he removed to Gowanda and commenced the manufacture of mineral waters, which business he still continues.  He married, June 20, 1883, Cora, daughter of T. M. WHIPPLE, of Little Valley.  They have a son, Harry, born Jan. 2, 1885.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 992

 

Surnames:  KEYES, NUTTING, THOMPSON, DOW, GREEN, HERMANCE, PHELPS

 

Alanson C. KEYES was born in Ludlow, Mass., Oct. 3, 1822.  When nine years of age he removed with his parents to Ellicottville.  His father located on a farm in Otto, where he remained twenty years, removing thence to Allegany.  In 1847 Alanson went into the store of James NUTTING in Randolph as a clerk, remaining until 1850, when he married Harriet THOMPSON, of Granville, N. Y., and formed a partnership with A. G. DOW in the hardware trade and manufacture of tinware in Ellicottville, which partnership continued one year.  From Ellicottville Mr. KEYES removed to Allegany and commenced the same business on his own account, remaining until 1883, when he removed to Fredonia.  In 1885 he removed to Gowanda and purchased the foundry and machine shops known as the Gowanda Agricultural Works, which he carries on in company with his son Samuel G.  Besides this son, who was born Jan. 26, 1856, his children are Zelia (Mrs. Benjamin H. GREEN); Cora G.; Alfred C., who married Hannah, daughter of James HERMANCE; and Truman D., superintendent of the Gowanda Agricultural Works.  Samuel G. KEYES, married Jennie PHELPS and in 1876 he engaged in the hardware and oil well supply business at Four Mile one year.  He then spent a short time at the Albany Law School, after which he engaged with the Oil Well Supply Company (Limited), of Bradford, Pa., as book-keeper, and remained eighteen months.  In 1881 he became cashier of Dow, Fullager & Coleman's Bank at Bradford, where he remained until 1884.  In 1885 he became correspondent for the First National Bank of Bradford and continued until 1887, when he went to Mankato, Kan., and organized the First National Bank of Mankato; he was its cashier until July 1, 1890, when he came to Gowanda.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 992 & 993

 

Surnames:  LITTLE, BEVERLY, FRYE, BOTSFORD, RANDALL, EAMES, McCUTCHEON, WHEAT, McKINNEY

 

Alexander LITTLE, a native of Vermont, removed to Otto from Nelson, N. Y., in 1822, the journey by horse and ox-teams occupying more than two weeks.  Mr. LITTLE's family then consisted of five sons and two daughters: Margaret, Thomas, Harvey, Nelson, Milton, Lewis, and Jane.  Margaret married Thomas BEVERLY and lived in Otto many years, removing to Gowanda, where both died.  Thomas married Sarah FRYE, of Collins, N. Y., a farmer who died July 11, 1890; her death occurred July 12, 1878.  Harvey married Urania BOTSFORD in Feb., 1836, and engaged in farming on forty acres of land in Otto, but ten years later removed to Toronto, Canada, where he learned the trade of millwright, which be carried on three years, when be returned to Otto and resumed farming.  After the death of his wife in 1843 he again took up the business of a millwright on the Allegheny river, building a number of new mills and rebuilding many others.  In 1849 he married Sarah M. RANDALL, a native of Madison county.  By his first marriage two children were born: Catharine M., who married Ezra EAMES, who died in Nov., 1889, and Eliza J., who married E. T. McCUTCHEON and resides on the homestead in Otto.  In 1869 Mr. LITTLE removed to Gowanda, where he has since lived in retirement.  Nelson LITTLE was engaged in the real estate business in Buffalo, where he died about 1864.  Milton and Lewis emigrated to California and both died in Monterey.  Jane married Marvin WHEAT, a lawyer, of Cayuga county, who settled in St. Antonio, Texas.  Since the first year of the Rebellion he has not been heard from.  Mrs. WHEAT still lives in St. Antonio.  Alexander LITTLE's wife was Catharine McKINNEY who died in Feb., 1873.  He died in 1852.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 993

 

Surnames:  LOCKE, WOOD, SKINNER, FARNSWORTH, WHEELER, VOSBURG, CHAFFEE, WHITE, VINTON

 

James LOCKE was born near Moravia, N.Y., Jan. 16, 1802.  His father died when he was five years old, leaving a widow and eight children wholly dependent for support upon their own scant earnings.  The early years of his life were consequently passed in a continued struggle with want.  His entire attendance at school was less then six months, but he was taught to read and write by an elder brother, and when sixteen years old had acquired a fair common school education.  He early developed a taste for the English classics, which he retained all his life, and few men in his locality were more conversant than he with the standard works of the language.  Having served ail apprenticeship with Allan WOOD, of Sempronius, and mastered the carpenter's trade he was selected by Isaac W. SKINNER when only twenty-two years of age to go to what was then known as Skinner hollow and build a grist-mill.  Having finished this in the winter of 1824-25 he was engaged for a time as a journeyman at Buffalo, and in March, 1826, proceeded to Gowanda, then Lodi, where he bought some land of Thomas FARNSWORTH and erected a small foundry.  He married, the following year, Lucinda, daughter of Philip WHEELER.  A few years later Mr. LOCKE erected a larger establishment upon the site of the present foundry, where he carried on business for a time in connection with the late John L. VOSBURG.  Having been compelled by ill health to choose a different occupation he subsequently engaged in mercantile business with Amasa L. CHAFFEE and later with Clark WHITE.  Upon the death of Mr. WHITE he retired from active business for a few years, but in 1853 erected a grist-mill and sawmill about a mile south of Gowanda upon the property since purchased by Silas VINTON.  In 1859 he disposed of this and never afterward engaged actively in business affairs.  Mr. LOCKE was one of the men peculiar to his day and generation.  He was a strict Presbyterian in belief and long connected with that church; an earnest temperance man, obeying the law and willing to act in enforcing obedience by others; decided in his ideas, prompt and energetic in action, intolerant of wrong, of sterling integrity, just in his dealings, sound in judgment, he had the confidence of the community.  He died Aug. 27, 1872.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 993 & 994

 

Surnames:  LUCE, BENSON, PAYNE, PICKETT

 

Lucius T. LUCE, born in Barre, N. Y., April 13, 1813, married Mary Elizabeth BENSON in Wyoming county, and in 1857 settled on the old Harrison PAYNE farm.  He was a farmer in New Albion, Dayton, Persia, Little Valley, and Salamanca, and eventually gave his property to his son Obadiah, with whom he died in Dayton, Feb. 18, 1890.  He was a member of the M. E. church.  Mrs. LUCE survives and resides in Dayton.  E. Augustus LUCE, their fourth child, was born in Washington county, March 6, 1846, and Aug. 22, 1864, enlisted in Co. A, 13th N. Y. H. A.  He was in five general engagements and at the final evacuation of Petersburg.  He was discharged Aug. 23, 1865.  He was confined in the hospital six weeks with typhoid fever.  Since his return he has been engaged in farming, market gardening, and fruit growing.  Aug. 23, 1868, he married Esther A. PICKETT, of Salamanca;  children: Charles H., Joseph N., and Mary Luetta.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 994

 

Surnames:  MATTOCKS, MARSH, FOSTER

 

Frank L. MATTOCKS was born in Gerry, Chautauqua county, May 26, 1851, a son of Truman and Mary E. (MARSH) MATTOCKS.  His father carried on the granite and marble business many years, first in Buffalo and afterward in Ellington, Chautauqua county.  He removed to Cattaraugus, where Frank L. commenced the business and worked with his father from the age of fifteen until twenty-four.  Oct. 12, 1874, he married Mary H., daughter of Sheldon FOSTER, of Otto, and located at Gowanda, where he established his present granite and marble monumental works.  His children are Eugene, born in Dec., 1885; Bessie, born in Dec., 1887; and Edna, born in Oct., 1889.  Mr. MATTOCKS has served his town as supervisor since 1892.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 994

 

Surnames:  NASH, BRAYTON, SACKETT

 

Esek B. NASH was born in Herkimer county in Feb., 1800.  In 1824 he settled in the southwest part of Persia on lot 59.  He was a very prominent man and represented Persia on the Board of Supervisors for a long term of years, and also held other important town offices.  Mr. NASH and his wife were members of the M. E. church and he was class-leader over forty years.  He taught school in early life.  About 1821 he married Marcella BRAYTON, of Poland, Herkimer county, and died on the homestead June 8, 1874.  Mrs. NASH died June 1, 1879.  Children: Ansel A., of Pine Valley; Almerin E., who died about 1863; Elvinton A., of Buffalo; and Oramon I., owner of a part of the homestead.  May 13, 1862, the latter married Helen SACKETT, of Cattaraugus, and settled on the farm where they now reside;  children: Grace L., Minnie E., Georgia H., and Gertrude B.  Mrs. NASH was a teacher and all her daughters except the youngest have followed the same calling.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 994

 

Surnames:  OVERFIELD, KROHNS, BABBITT, REPPARD, COOPER

 

Edward OVERFIELD was born in this town Dec. 16, 1864.  His parents were John and Carrie (KROHNS) OVERFIELD.  Mr. OVERFIELD, Sr., carried on a boot and shoe business in Gowanda many years.  Edward OVERFIELD for a number of years was a commercial traveler for B. T. BABBITT.  He married Carrie M. REPPARD, of Hamburg, Erie county, and in 1889 purchased the Union Hotel now conducted by John COOPER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 994 & 995

 

Surnames:  PARKER, VAN VALKENBURGH, HOOKER, STUART, VAN OSTRAND, HUGHES, GRAVES, WELCH

 

Thomas J. PARKER, a native of Junius, Seneca county, was born Aug. 17, 1813.  In 1823 he removed with his parents to Hamburg, Erie county, where he lived until 1830, when he came to Lodi, now Gowanda.  His first business here was an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade with his brother, Francis B. PARKER.  After three years he assumed the business and carried it on until 1861, when he entered the army as colonel of the 64th N. Y. Vol. Inf.  The 64th Regiment was organized in 1853 with Thomas J. PARKER as colonel, and at the breaking out of the Rebellion Colonel PARKER addressed a communication to the adjutant-general of the State, tendering the services of the organization, which were duly accepted.  On the 28th of August Colonel PARKER proceeded to Elmira, where he was assigned enlistment quarters by General VAN VALKENBURGH at barrack No. 3.  On the 25th of November he was commissioned by Governor Edwin D. Morgan colonel of the 64th Regt. N. Y. S. Vols. with rank from Nov. 13, 1861.  The regiment was ordered to the front on the l0th of Dec., 1861, and on the 13th Colonel PARKER was, by special orders, constituted provisional brigade commander of the 64th, 57th, 85th, 89th, and one Massachusetts regiment.  On the 7th of Jan., 1862, the 64th was transferred to Gen. O. O. Howard's brigade of Richardson's division of Sumner Corps.  A full account of the 64th Regiment will be found in Chapter XV.  The Olean Advertiser of June 19, 1862, anent the battle of Fair Oaks, says:

"Colonel PARKER has shown himself to be a brave, intrepid commander, and his abilities were acknowledged on the field of battle by being assigned to the command of the First Brigade of General Richardson's division.  Captain Renwick is hearty and emphatic in his praises of Colonel PARKER for coolness, courage, and military skill upon the battlefield.  He says Colonel PARKER has no superiors and few equals in the division to which he is attached for all the requisites of a competent leader.  The men of the 64th won for themselves at Fair Oaks the thanks of their commanding officers and covered themselves with honor.  The county of Cattaraugus, through her stalwart sons in this regiment, has with her best blood written upon our nation's history her abhorrence of this wicked, devilish rebellion.  The men of the 64th will do their duty.  All honor to the glorious 64th!  All honor to its commanding officer, Col. T. J. PARKER ! "

Sept. 2, 1841, Colonel PARKER married Lavina H., daughter of Stephen HOOKER of Perrysburg.  They had six children:  Ellen L., born Feb. 15, 1843, who married Mortimer W. STUART, of Gowanda; Loretta A., born Feb. 20, 1845, who married Lafayette VAN OSTRAND, of Buffalo; Clara A., born Nov. 11, 1847, died Sept. 14, 1848; Marcus W., born July 15, 1849, who married Josephine HUGHES, and resides, in Chicago; Henry A., born Oct, 10, 1856, died Dec. 3, 1861; and George W., born June 30, 1863, of Silver Creek, who married Alice GRAVES.  Colonel PARKER held the office of justice of the peace for Persia from 1852 for thirty years.  He was deputy county clerk from March 6, 1871, for three years under William W. WELCH, and in the Legislature of 1872-73 he was deputy clerk of the Assembly.  No man now living in Cattaraugus county has been longer or more prominently identified with military affairs than has Colonel PARKER.  From the interesting period of general trainings to long after the Rebellion he was active in almost every movement.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 995

 

Surnames:  PAYNE, ANGELL, SMITH, ACKLER, MILK, JENKS, HERRICK

 

Dorus PAYNE, son of Stephen and Sally (ANGELL) PAYNE, was born July 10, 1805.  He married Catherine SMITH, June 10, 1829, and soon after came to Cattaraugus county and settled on Snyder hill in New Albion.  In 1840 he sold his farm and moved to the farm now occupied by his son, Sheldon A. PAYNE, in Persia, where he died April 6, 1890.  Mrs. PAYNE died Oct. 16, 1889.  Children: Nancy Emeline, born Sept. 27, 1832, married Henry F. ACKLER, June 10, 1855, deceased; Clarissa M., born April 13, 1839, married Gilbert MILK, and resides in New Albion; William H. H., born Sept. 13, 1844, died July 4, 1848; Alvira D., born May 12, 1848, married, June 9, 1879, Z. T. JENKS, and resides at Allen's Switch in Persia; Electa T., born April 28, 1850, married Judson HERRICK, and resides in Binghamton; and Sheldon A., born March 3, 1835.  In 1854 the latter went across the isthmus to California and was a miner until the Rebellion broke out in 1861, when he enlisted in the 6th Cal. Vols., being discharged in Dec., 1865.  He was wounded by a minie-ball Aug. 7, 1864.  In March, 1877, he returned and resides on the homestead.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 995 & 996

 

Surnames:  PHELPS, COON

 

Charles S. PHELPS, son of Dudley (see page 440), was born in Allegany, Oct. 31, 1858, was educated in the public schools and at Alfred University in Allegany county, and taught school in Broome and Cattaraugus counties three years.  In 1878 he entered the drug store of Dr. A. W. Bullock at Allegany.  In 1881 he engaged in the same business with Moore & Smith, of Dunkirk, where he remained five months.  From there he went to Olean with J. B. Smith, druggist.  Jan. 1, 1884, he became a partner with Dr. J. V. D. Coon at Olean, and a year and a half later he removed to Gowanda and purchased the drug business of Clark & Horton, which he still continues.  Jan. 13, 1885, he married Carrie D., daughter of Dr. J. V. D. COON.  Children: Paula M., born Feb. 25, 1886, and Helen C., born Oct. 28, 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 996

 

Surnames:  PRESS, PEARSONS

 

William H. PRESS was born in Nunda, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1830, where he resided with his parents until 1834, when they removed to Erie, Pa.  Seven years afterward the family removed to Persia, where William H. has since resided.  He was a farmer and dealer in horses until 1871, when he removed to Collins, Erie county, and settled within the corporation of Gowanda.  He continued farming and dealing in horses until May, 1888, when he started the business of undertaker in the Erie county portion of the village.  Nov. 6, 1 850 he married Harriet, daughter of Amos PEARSONS, of Collins;  children: May, born May 1, 1852; Ida, born May 6, 1857; and an adopted son, Bartlett.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 996

 

Surnames:  RICH, SNYDER, HUMPHREY, EASTERLY, BROWNELL, JOHNSON

 

Joseph RICH, born in Onondaga county about 1801, married there Phebe SNYDER, and there their first five children were born.  In 1825 they came to the south part of Persia, where their primitive log-house was warmed by a Dutch fireplace.  Mr. RICH died aged sixty-three; Mrs. RICH survived him about three years.  Children: Susan, who died aged ten; Merritt, a farmer on the homestead; Leonard (deceased); Abbott (deceased); Mary (Mrs. HUMPHREY), who died in Iowa; Amanda (Mrs. James EASTERLY), of Cattaraugus; Betsey (Mrs. Alson BROWNELL), of Persia; Wilder and Wilber (twins); and James H.  James H. RICH, born Dec. 19, 1839, was a farmer on the homestead, and July 10, 1862, married Emma E., daughter of Jesse JOHNSON, who was born Aug. 8, 1845.  Mr. RICH came to an untimely death by being thrown from a loaded wagon Oct. 24, 1865.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 996

 

Surnames:  RIDOUT, SNYDER, PULSE

 

Leander RIDOUT was born Oct. 25, 1836, and was raised a farmer.  Feb. 8, 1863, he married Esther, daughter of Augustus SNYDER.  In 1864 they settled in Persia and in 1866 he purchased the farm at Snyder's corners where he still resides.  Mrs. RIDOUT died Jan. 20, 1890.  June 8, 1891, he married Clara PULSE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 996

 

Surnames:  SCHAACK, WARNER, POTTER, CHAFFEE, TOEPP, FISH, LEONARD

 

Nicholas SCHAACK, a native of Luxemburg, Germany, emigrated to America when nineteen years of age and settled in Langford, N. Y., where with his brother he opened a merchant tailoring establishment in 1847.  In 1850 he removed to Gowanda and was a journeyman tailor employed by Samuel WARNER until 1856.  He then removed to Berlin, Wis., where he pursued his trade.  About 1862 he returned to Gowanda, and was a partner of Jonathan POTTER.  In 1870 Mr. POTTER retired and in 1872 Mr. SCHAACK and A. W. W. CHAFFEE consolidated their business under the firm name of CHAFFEE & SCHAACK.  In 1877 his son, Joseph H. SCHAACK, purchased the interest of Mr. CHAFFEE and was with him until the death of the father Aug. 25, 1880.  In 1854 Mr. SCHAACK married Eve, daughter of Adam TOEPP, of Langford, N. Y.; she died in July, 1885.  Children: Joseph H., born in May, 1856, who married, Oct. 4, 1876, Ada, daughter of William A. FISH, of Gowanda, and has children Helen (born in April, 1881) and Ralph (born in 1883); Emma M., born in 1860, who married I. R. LEONARD, of Gowanda; and Albert G., born in 1867, a dry goods merchant who began business in Oct., 1886.  In Oct., 1890, the latter sold his goods to his brother-in-law, I. R. LEONARD, and was a clerk in Buffalo until Aug., 1891.  In October following he re-opened his present dry goods store.  Joseph H. SCHAACK was supervisor of Persia in 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 996 & 997

 

Surnames:  SMALLWOOD, ROBERTS, BABCOCK

 

William T. SMALLWOOD, a native of York, England, came with his parents to this country when four years of age and settled in northern Pennsylvania, whence he subsequently removed to Wyoming county, N. Y., where he and his wife both died.  William T. SMALLWOOD came to Gowanda at an early date, and in company with Titus ROBERTS carried on an extensive tannery several years.  He was afterward engaged in the boot and shoe business until his death in 1871.  His wife was Florilla, daughter of Titus ROBERTS, who died in 1878.  Children: Charles and Freddie (who died in infancy), Mary C., and William R.  The latter was born Jan. 26, 1856, and June 27, 1878, he married Blanche, daughter of Dr. Horace BABCOCK.  Mr. SMALLWOOD is of a very ingenious turn of mind and invented and manufactured an eight-day sixteen-dial clock, which he finished Sept. 1, 1886.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 997

 

Surnames   SNYDER, KELLEY, RICH, BROWN

 

George SNYDER married a Miss KELLEY and with his family settled in the south part of Persia in 1825.  He died in Sept., 1844.  He was one of the most prominent of the early settlers.  Augustus SNYDER, his son, was born May 5, 1806 came to New Albion with his father, and with his brothers Horace, Benjamin, and Harry settled on Snyder hill, which was named in their honor.  He subsequently sold out and in 1846 removed to the place where his son Horace now lives, where he died Nov. 17,1872.  April 4, 1832, he married Ann, daughter of Jacob RICH, who was born Feb. 3, 1814, and who died Dec. 31, 1890.  Mr. SNYDER served as justice of the peace from about 1856 until his death.  Children: Elliott, Esther, Homer, and Emogene.  Elliott was born on Snyder hill April 30, 1833, was educated in the common schools and at Gowanda Academy, and has been a farmer and dealer in cattle and horses.  He is also breeding fine horses and cattle for market.  He is a Democrat and has served as assessor, highway commissioner, and justice of the peace.  March 6, 1871, he married Mary, daughter of Almond BROWN, of Mansfield.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 997 & 998

 

Surnames:  STUART, WOLCOTT, ALLEN, BLACKNEY, POPPLE, DAVIS

 

Hon. William Henry STUART was a son of Warren and Mary Ann (WOLCOTT) STUART and was born in Chaumont, Jefferson county, May 2, 1820.  In his veins ran the proudest blood Scotland ever knew and among his ancestors were a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a governor of Connecticut.  His brothers and sisters were Elisha S., Roger Wolcott, and Samuel M. and Esther, Adeline, Maria, and Amelia.  Mr. STUART's education was limited to the common schools, but he early developed a passion for literature which he retained throughout his life.  By a wide range of reading and careful observation he stored his capacious mind and retentive memory with lore beyond the ken of the average college graduate.  He went to Michigan in 1830 and remained a year, when he returned to Rochester and worked a year in a printing office.  Going again to Michigan in 1834 he went to work on a farm owned by a relative, receiving forty acres of land for a year's labor.  Returning east he acquired the mysteries of woolen manufacturing and eventually established himself in that business.  With his brother Samuel he engaged in woolen manufacturing in Wheatland, Monroe county, where he remained a few years, when, in 1840, he and his brother removed hither and established a woolen factory in Gowanda, then Lodi.  Here he married, Jan. 27, 1842, Barbara ALLEN, daughter of Ahaz ALLEN, the pioneer of Hidi.  She was born Oct. 2, 1822, and died Sept. 14, 1861, having borne five children: Eber, who died Oct. 1, 1858; Maude, who died Feb. 2, 1881; Alice (Mrs. Charles BLACKNEY), of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Cora (Mrs. Constantine BLACKNEY), of Gowanda; and Glenn D., of Kalamazoo, Mich.  Mr. STUART married, second, July 1, 1863, Mrs. Jane (POPPLE) DAVIS, of Collins, Erie county, who survives him.  He was engaged in farming at Collins and at Hidi during the life of his first wife and moved to Gowanda village in 1863, where he resided until his death on June 30, 1893.  He was always intensely and actively interested in politics.  In 1865-66 he was librarian of the State Senate and in 1869 was elected member of Assembly, where he served one term.  Shortly afterward he was appointed postmaster of Gowanda, which position he held five years.  He was frequently a delegate to conventions and was one of the best posted men on county, State, and National politics in New York State.  Originally a liberal Democrat he joined the Republicans in 1860 and was thereafter a staunch supporter of the principles of that party.  He was also a Mason.  Mr. STUART's mind was of a decidedly literary bent.  Had he devoted himself to literature he would have taken a high rank in that profession.  Many of his productions were heavily fraught with historical data, and his political articles commanded wide influence.  For forty years he contributed regularly to the local newspaper, of which he had at one time full editorial charge.  As a poet he wielded a graceful pen and drank often at the Pierian spring.  He possessed a phenomenally retentive memory and a great love for his fellow man.  He was charitable, kind hearted, and honest and commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 998

 

Surnames:  TORRANCE, SOUTHWICK, HEALEY, SMITH

 

Stiles Clay TORRANCE, son of Stiles A. and Lydia C. (SOUTHWICK) TORRANCE, was born at Hidi, Nov. 22, 1843, and worked on his father's farm at Point Peter until sixteen years of age.  In 1860 he went to Tinker's Creek, Ohio, and engaged in raising broom corn and the manufacture of brooms, which he carried on two years.  Aug. 11, 1862, he enlisted in the 103d Ohio Vol. Inf. for three years.  He was in the siege of Knoxville and with Sherman in his campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta.  After the regiment reached Atlanta the Twenty-third Corps, with which the 103d was connected, fell back to Nashville.  After the battle at Nashville the Twenty-third, under command of General Schofield, was transferred to Fort Fisher and from that point fought their way up the Cape Fear river to Wilmington, whence they were transferred to Newberne.  Thence they fought to Goldsborough, up the cape, and to Salisbury, where they received their discharge.  After the close of the war Mr. TORRANCE was engaged in farming one year and then went to Wyoming territory and spent a year and a half in gold mining, returning to this State via California and the isthmus.  Nov. 22, 1871, he married Myra S., daughter of William and Rachel (HEALEY) SMITH, of Collins, Erie county.  Children: Stiles A., born Sept. 10, 1872; William M., born April 4, 1874, graduated from Gowanda Academy at the age of fourteen; Lucy, born April 14, 1876; Chester, born Dec. 7, 1877; Rachel, born Aug. 15, 1886; a child born July 27, 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 998 & 999

 

Surnames:  VAN DEUSEN, WINNE, HOOKER, MACHMER, HORTON

 

Oliver B. VAN DEUSEN was born in Sprout Brook, N. Y., Feb. 1, 1825.  His father, a native of Great Barrington, Mass., possessed a large farm, carried on the wool-carding and cloth-dressing business, and had a large saw-mill.  Oliver B., when nine years of age, went to live with his brother at Pike, Wyoming county, making the. journey by wagon and afterward a number of other trips by the Erie canal before the building of the New York Central railroad.  Six years afterward he returned to the homestead.  He attended the district schools and the Cherry Valley Academy and taught in the schools of his neighborhood until 1851.  January 2d of that year he married Barbara, daughter of David C. WINNE, of Cherry Valley, and with his wife removed to Pike and carried on a large business in the manufacture of lumber, sash, doors, blinds, and cooperage until 1866, when he rented his factory and removed to Rochester, where he engaged in the manufacture of iron planes one year.  In 1867 he again returned to Pike, engaging in general merchandising and also purchased one of the first creameries in Wyoming county.  He continued the mercantile business until 1877, when he engaged in farming.  In 1880 he sold the store.  In 1881 he removed to Gowanda, clerking one year for Harry N. HOOKER.  In 1882 he engaged in the coal trade with his son, J. E. VAN DEUSEN, which they carried on together until 1887.  He was also a partner in the Gowanda Fruit Evaporating Company.  In 1887 he purchased the interest of Henry MACHMER, of the firm of Machmer & Yaw, merchant tailors.  Children: James Eugene; Kittie Arabella (deceased); Carrie E., born Dec. 11, 1861, who married Palmer H. HORTON; and Allen W., born Nov. 24, 1866.

 

James Eugene VAN DEUSEN was born at East Pike, N. Y., Sept. 22, 1851.  In 1866 he removed with his parents to Rochester, where he attended the public schools.  Returning in 1867 to East Pike he entered his father's store as clerk, and in 1869 he went to Allegany as clerk in the office of the Erie railway.  Here he remained until 1871, when he accepted the position of agent for the Buffalo, New York & Philadelphia railroad at South Wales, Erie county.  Eleven months later he was given the agency at Holland on the same road and in 1873 he accepted the position of agent of the Buffalo and Southwestern railroad at North Collins, Erie county, and afterward at Lawton's. Collins, and Gowanda, where he has held the position since Oct. 24, 1874.  Mr. VAN DEUSEN married Ella M., daughter of Harry N. HOOKER, of Gowanda.  Children: Harry H., born July 9, 1876; George B., born Sept. 20, 1878; Ward W., born Nov. 25, 1880; and Julia E., born March 4, 1889.  Mr. VAN DEUSEN has been president of the village, vice-president of the Bank of Gowanda, president of the Board of Education, a trustee of the Presbyterian church, one of the original promoters of the Gowanda Water Works Company and a member of the Gowanda Fruit Evaporating Company and the Gowanda Printing and Manufacturing Company.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Pages 999 & 1000

 

Surnames:  VINTON, WELCH, CARR, DAWSON

 

Silas VINTON was born in Villenova, Chautauqua county, April 20, 1824.  He was the son of John VINTON, who came into western New York in 1810 from Massachusetts and settled in Villenova in 1812, and died in 1829, leaving a widow and six children.  His mother was a daughter of William WELCH, of Connecticut, who was a Baptist preacher and preached on one charge for sixty-five years, commencing at twenty-one; he died aged eighty-six.  The mother did all in her power to give her children an education and Silas left home when fourteen years of age to work one year for his clothes and three months' schooling.  At the age of nineteen he commenced teaching and taught six terms.  At the age of twenty-four he married Louisa A. CARR, of Cherry Creek, who was the mother of Frank C. and J. Platt VINTON now of Gowanda.  He resided in Rock county, Wis., from 1846 to 1850, and was superintendent of schools while there four years.  He then returned to Cherry Creek, where he entered into mercantile business.  He was elected superintendent of schools and served six years, was chosen supervisor of the town for five years and was chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Chautauqua county the last term, and was postmaster at Cherry Creek ten years.  In 1874 he moved to Gowanda and has served Persia on the Board of Supervisors five years.  He was one of the directors of the Buffalo & Southwestern railroad during its construction, and received and still holds the first pass issued by the officers of the road, he has been engaged in mercantile business over thirty years.  He has been the contractor and builder of a great many of the large buildings in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, having built the Chautauqua county insane asylums, poor house, and barns at a cost of nearly $60,000, the insane asylum at Machias, the Cattaraugus county jail at Little Valley, and many of the largest and best buildings at Gowanda.  He married, second, in 1884, Miss Mary DAWSON, of Gowanda.  Frank C. has been supervisor of Persia six years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 1000

 

Surnames:  WELCH, SWIFT

 

William W. WELCH was born in Gowanda, Nov. 25. 1835.  He married Frances E. SWIFT, July 5, 1860, and was clerk of Cattaraugus county one term beginning Jan. 1, 1871.  He was also supervisor of Little Valley in 1875.  He has served in public capacities with eminent ability.  The family has been prominent in the history of northwestern Cattaraugus as well as in Gowanda, and in every position its members have been distinguished citizens.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Persia – Chapter XLII (42)

Page 1000

 

Surnames:  WOODIN, BECKWITH, PRATT, GARVEN

 

Martin H. WOODIN, son of Homer and Vashti (BECKWITH) WOODIN, was born in Otto, Sept. 1, 1831, and received such educational advantages as the primitive schools of his district afforded.  He has always been a farmer and owns a farm in Leon, where he lived twenty years.  He is a staunch Republican.  Sept. 17, 1856, he married Ruth S., daughter of Hiram and Mahala PRATT, of Otto.  Children: Jennie, born in 1858, married William GARVEN, and resides on the homestead in Leon; and Claribell, born in 1869.

 

 

TOWN OF PORTVILLE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1007

 

Surnames:  ARCHIBALD, REA, MEDDAUGH

 

John R. ARCHIBALD, son of Andrew and Jenette (REA) ARCHIBALD, natives of Scotland, was born in Tompkins county Feb. 11, 1822.  His mother died when he was three weeks old and he was raised by his uncle, James RAY.  In 1838 he came to Portville and worked for his cousin. Walter RAY, a lumberman at Mill Grove.  In 1840 he was a sawyer for John MEDDAUGH and continued with him nine or ten years, making yearly trips as a pilot down the Allegheny.  In 1854 he commenced business as a lumberman.  In 1862 he was a dealer in groceries with his nephew, John ARCHIBALD, and became sole proprietor of their business two years later, continuing as a merchant fifteen years.  In 1874 he purchased a steam mill with a daily capacity of 25,000 feet of lumber.  He stocked and operated this from January until June 14th, when it burned with 800,000 feet of lumber, which was a total loss. Since 1880 he has given his attention to his farm and real estate.  He has always been a Democrat and has been a nominee for supervisor, and served as assessor three years.  In Sept., 1846, he married Fanny, daughter of John MEDDAUGH, who was the mother of all his children:  Walter B.; Emma G.; James; and Frances H., married William HILL.  Mrs. ARCHIBALD died March 20, 1889, and Oct. 16, 1891, he married Nancy MEDDAUGH.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1007

 

Surnames:  BEDFORD, WRIGHT, WHEELER, DUSENBURY, DEMING

 

Ezra M. BEDFORD, son of Jacob and Marilla (WRIGHT) BEDFORD, was born h Rushford, N. Y., Jan. 16, 1837.  The family is of English origin and came to Portville in 1851, settling in the east part of the town.   Ezra M. has been both a farmer and a lumber manufacturer.  In Jan., 1876, he opened a grocery store in Portville, which he conducted until 1882.  In 1886 he bought the site of his present building of William F. WHEELER & Co. and placed his store on the foundation of the establishment formerly owned by J. E. DUSENBURY, where he is still engaged in general trade.  Mr. BEDFORD has served as justice of the peace, assessor, and commissioner of highways.  Dec. 24, 1863, he married Ellen DEMING, of Genesee, Allegany county, and has one son.  Mr. BEDFORD enlisted in the 85th N. Y. Vols., served through the Peninsula campaign, and was discharged on account of disability in 1862.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1007

 

Surnames:  BORST, KINNEY, CRANNELL

 

Ezer BORST was born in Middleburgh, N. Y., in 1832.  In 1857 he came to Weston's Mills and engaged as a contractor in the manufacture of staves and lath for Weston Brothers, where he employed from twenty to twenty-four men.  He still continues the business with ten or twelve hands. In the spring of 1888 he instituted the "Borst Wood Company" and began the manufacture of kindling wood, which he still carries on.  In 1854 he married Miss A. M. KINNEY, of Nelson, Pa.  Their children are:  Jabez W; James H. of Hawley, Minn.; Charles H.; Morris (deceased); Kate married A. J. CRANNELL, of Weston's Mills; and Russel L.  Jabez W. is superintendent of the Wood Company, and C. H. and R. L. have each a position in this manufactory.  Mr. BORST married his second wife in 1877; she died in 1874; and in 1885 he married Mrs. L. A. KINNEY, who is the mother of his daughter Libbie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1007

 

Surnames:  BURDICK, CRANDALL, SANFORD

 

Albert G. BURDICK came from De Ruyter, N. Y., to Portville in 1837.  In 1838 he married Cynthia E., daughter of Capt. Matthew M. CRANDALL, and settled where his son, A. O. BURDICK, now lives.  He annually went down the river as a raftsman, and served as constable several years.  His sons Daniel C., Joel A., Matthew K., and Addison O. served in the Civil war.  Joel A was a prisoner in Andersonville over seven months.  All came home at the close of the war and all are living.

 

Daniel C. BURDICK was born Feb. 22, 1838.  In 1863 he enlisted in Co. A., 85th N. Y. Vols., joined his regiment at Suffolk, Va. and was discharged at the close of the war.  He participated in seventeen battles.  May 20, 1861, he married Laura J. SANFORD, of Ceres, N. Y.  On his return from the war he joined his wife in Main Settlement, and has since been a citizen of Portville, except two years he spent in Steuben county.  They have one son, Adelbert E.  Mr. BURDICK served as constable six years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1008

 

Surnames:  COLWELL, McGEE, WESTON, MERSEREAU, ORR, STORMS, MITCHELL

 

Benjamin S. COLWELL, of English origin, is a son of Smith and Louisa (McGEE) COLWELL.  His father, a native of Rhode Island, was born Feb. 20, 1801; his mother, of Scotch descent, died in Portville in June, 1882, aged eighty-one.  His father died Jan. 2, 1888.  In 1810 the parents of Smith COLWELL removed to Plymouth, Chenango county, where he assisted in clearing land.  In 1824 he was married and settled on a part of the homestead.  In 1841 the family removed to Addison, Steuben county, where Benjamin S. COLWELL began his business life.  He was a lumber jobber for Abijah WESTON and the late John G. MERSEREAU in the south part of Chenango county, and in Lindley, Steuben county, until 1856, when he removed to Portville and since then has been interested in the lumber business in this town, in Pennsylvania, and in Harrisville and  Manistique, Mich.  He is also interested in car manufacturing at Knoxville, Tenn., and in the Kelley Lamp Works of Rochester, N. Y.  In 1845 he married Sally M. ORR, of Addison, who died Aug. 5, 1864.  She was the mother of all his children:  George W., born in May, 1846, a capable and prominent business man, a manufacturer of lumber, and a merchant; Marion O., born Jan. 2, 1850, married D. E. STORMS; Carrie L., born May 9, 1860, the wife of Dr. D. W. MITCHELL; Carrie Belle, a graduate of the Elmira Female College and a teacher.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1008

 

Surnames:  COMSTOCK, FOX, WRIGHT, ROBINSOM, YOUNG

 

Mark COMSTOCK, son of Joseph L. and Nancy (FOX) COMSTOCK, was born in Beekmantown, N. Y., in June, 1816.  When about eighteen he started on foot for the western country.  At Ogdensburg he boarded a steamboat and passed up the St. Lawrence river, through Lake Ontario to Ontario Beach, and thence to Rochester.  From there he went to Buffalo and in 1837 or 1838 came to Portville, where he still resides.  He was in the employ of Dusenbury, Wheeler & Co. as a jobber sawing their lumber until about 1848, when he built the first tannery in Portville and began tanning upper-and sole leather in 1849.  He purchased stock of his own and tanned hides and skins on halves for the farmers.  He had several partners, and in 1855 he sold his half-interest to his then partner, C. K. WRIGHT.  Mr. COMSTOCK has since been dealing in real estate and groceries and engaged in farming.  He has served as assessor, thirteen years and as highway commissioner several terms.  In 1840 married Lucinda ROBINSON, a member of the Presbyterian church, who died Feb. 19, 1892.  Children: five sons died in infancy; Nancy married Dr. YOUNG; Ellen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Pages 1008 & 1009

 

Surnames:  CRANDALL, MAXSON, MAIN, ATHERTON, JACOBS, McDOWELL, ALDERMAN

 

Joseph CRANDALL, son of Luke and Martha (MAXSON) CRANDALL, was born near Providence, R. I., May 2, 1794, and soon after attaining his majority he removed to Georgetown, N. Y.  He married Susan P. MAIN in Feb., 1820, who was born in Stonington, Conn., Feb. 17, 1800.  In 1830 he moved with his wife and six children to Portville and settled on lot 10, where William ATHERTON had built a saw-mill in 1810.  He engaged in farming and stock raising, having brought with him a flock of sheep and half a dozen horses.  He was elected justice of the peace, but refused to qualify, and was an organizer and one of the first trustees of the Methodist church.  He died March 19, 1870.  Mrs. CRANDALL died Jan 9, 1882.  They had twelve children, eight of whom are living.  The first, Russel A. CRANDALL, born Jan. 9, 1821, came to Portville with his parents and has since resided here.  He had one term at the academy and became a farmer and a pilot on the river.  He married Mary JACOBS, Feb. 18, 1846, who was born in Caledonia, N. Y., March 2, 1822.  They settled on a part of the homestead, where they still reside.  Mr. CRANDALL is one of Portville's oldest residents and a pillar of the Methodist church, which he has long served as trustee.  He has also been assessor twenty-three consecutive years.  Children: J. Henry, Hyanthus O.; Adell V. C. married C. B. McDOWELL; and Minnie A. married E. E. ALDERMAN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1009

 

Surnames:  CRANDALL, COPP, MAIN

 

Joseph Henry CRANDALL, son of Russell A., was born April 11, 1847, and was educated in the common schools and in Chamberlain Institute, earning the money to pay his expenses by measuring bark.  He taught a district school two winter terms and in 1868 engaged as a clerk in the store of J. M. COPP at Portville.  Sept. 26, 1871, he became the partner of his employer under the firm name of J. M. COPP & Co., and subsequently conducted the business alone.  He was burned out in 1875 and again in 1885.  He conducted two branch stores, one of dry goods and the other of groceries, in Redford when oil was produced there.  Both were consumed by fire on the same day in 1880.  Since then he has given his attention to his business in Portville.  He is also a farmer and breeder of pure blood registered Oxforddown sheep.  Mr. CRANDALL has always been a Republican and has served as town clerk since 1877.  He married Minnie Saunders MAIN and has one daughter, Ethel M., born Dec. 29, 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1009

 

Surnames:  DUSENBURY, SANDS, WHEELER, MAY, BUTLER, SHELDON, VINCENT, TRUESDELL

 

Henry DUSENBURY, son of John and Ruth (SANDS) DUSENBURY, was born in Hancock, Delaware county, May 5, 1801.  In 1815 his father with his family moved to Windsor, Broome county.  HENRY was soon employed by his father as a clerk, and early conducted mercantile and lumbering business on his own account.  In 1828 he went to Deposit and remained there engaged in the same lines until 1834. Here he became the senior member of the firm of "DUSENBURY, WHEELER, MAY & Co.", formed to conduct lumbering on the upper Allegany.  This firm purchased at first a tract of 1,500 acres on Dodge creek (Portville) with a saw-mill containing three upright saws.  Mr. DUSENBURY came to look after its operations.  The important duties and responsibilities devolving on him were discharged with rare acumen, and, during his business life of many years, he ever manifested his capability to safely and prosperously conduct important affairs.  This company began operations in lumbering with this mill, established a store, ran their lumber to market down the Allegany and Ohio rivers, bought extensive tracts of timber lands in and about Portville and in Pennsylvania, built modern mills of great capacity, and has contributed to the prosperity of this section to the present by annually driving employment to a large number of men in their lumbering operations, tanneries, oil fields, etc. In inaugurating, and conducting these enterprises Mr. DUSENBURY was a potent factor.  No detail of the business escaped his attention, no contracts were made that were not fulfilled to the letter, and none of this company’s paper was ever protested.  Mr. DUSENBURY was endowed with penetration, sagacity, and integrity.  He was methodical, accurate, prompt, and reliable.  His word was as good as a bond.  He took time to investigate and decide every enterprise, but when a project was decided upon he pushed it to completion with energy and zeal.  Mr. DUSENBURY was an old-time Whig and joined the Republican party at its organization.  He was a firm believer in and an ardent advocate of the distinguishing principle of tile old Whig party:  "Protection to American industries."  He was a diligent reader, well informed in political history, and was an able and dangerous opponent in political discussions.  He represented the town of Portville six years on the Board of Supervisors of Cattaraugus county and his party in numerous conventions.  In 1831 Mr. DUSENBURY united with the Presbyterian church of Deposit and was a consistent Christian through life.  When he came to Portville there was practically no Sabbath, and intoxicating liquors were used freely in conducting business.  Mr. DUSENBURY and Mr. WHEELER from the first had the understanding that their company was to do business on Christian principles.  They took their stand as Christian men not to break the Sabbath themselves and not to furnish rum in getting their lumber to market if it had to rot on the banks of the river.  Mr. DUSENBURY was not a bigoted sectarian, but recognized all genuine Christians as his brothers in Christ.  He was instrumental with others in organizing the Presbyterian church of Olean in 1838 and was one of its elders and regular attendants until 1849, when he, with W. F. WHEELER, by their means and influence effected the establishment of the Presbyterian church at Portville which he generously supported and guided with his counsel as an officiating elder to the close of his life.  He was very charitable, and contributed liberally to various benevolent objects regularly each year. He died in June, 1860.  In 1827 Mr. DUSENBURY married Miss Caroline BUTLER, an estimable Christian lady, a kind friend, devoted wife, and an affectionate and faithful mother.  Mrs. DUSENBURY survived her husband, dying in February, 1871.  Their children were:

Catherine married Allan SHELDON, at one time a wholesale merchant in company with Hon. Zach Chandler and now a banker in Detroit, Mich.

Elizabeth married Rev. J. H. VINCENT, D. D., a distinguished bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church; their son George is the present business manager of the Chautauqua Assembly

Henry died at the age of twenty-two years

John E.

William A. born in 1838, married Miss Helen TRUESDELL, of Belfast, N. Y., and died in August, 1890; his widow and three sons survive him; he was a man of good business abilities, careful, economical, And successful; he was a merchant with his brothers, but later removed to Pennsylvania, conducted their mills at Tioncsta, and engaged in large lumbering operations

Edgar G. born in October, 1841, was a mercantile business with his brothers, and is now giving his attention to the large tannery at Portville – The Portville Tanning Company; he is an efficient business man, and possesses great firmness and executive ability; he is also an earnest and working Christian and an elder of the Presbyterian church

Caroline (resides in Buffalo).

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Henry DUSENBURY

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

 

Surnames:  DUSENBURY, WHEELER

 

John E. DUSENBURY was born in Portville, then a part of Olean, June 10, 1836.  He received a practical business education from his father and an academic education at Binghamton Academy. He was early taught that honest labor is man's mission in life.  He commenced his active business life as a merchant, the successor of DUSENBURY, WHEELER & Co.  He inherited many of the characteristics of his father which brought financial success to his business  undertakings and at his death was specially fitted to take his place in the operations of this firm.  Mr. DUSENBURY appointed his sons John E. and William A. executors and trustees of his estate, and the business has continued uninterruptedly to the present with but a change in name of firm.  This now includes John E. and Edgar G. DUSENBURY (sons of Henry DUSENBURY) and Nelson P. and William E. WHEELER (sons of Hon. William F. WHEELER).  Their business consists of lumbering operations near Portville and in Pennsylvania, development of their oil territory, and in tanning.  John E. DUSENBURY is an able financier.  He was vice-president of the First National Bank of Olean until June, 18912 when he succeeded Hon. William F. WHEELER as president.  He is a real estate manager, an oil producer, and a general adviser in manifold business affairs.  As a recreation he is breeding trotting horses of the finest strains to be obtained in the United States.  Mr. DUSENBURY has been an unswerving Republican all his political life, has served his town on the Board of Supervisors ten years, and taken prominent part in numerous conventions.  He is an industrious, persevering, and successful manufacturer, a courteous gentleman, a genial companion and friend, deserves and enjoys a large circle of appreciative acquaintance, and ranks worthily among the representative men of Cattaraugus county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1011

 

Surnames:  FAIRCHILD, HOYT, PETTY

 

J. H. FAIRCHILD, son of John F. and Sarah (HOYT) FAIRCHILD, was born in Rochester, July 28, 1841.  The family went to Livingston county about 1849 and he removed thence to Belfast, Allegany county.  In Jan., 1863, he enlisted in Co. E, 93d N. Y. Vols., and served to the close of the war.  In 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, he received a severe wound from a minie-ball, which passed through his left hip and confined him in the hospital a year. He was discharged June 10, 1865.  Since 1875 he has resided in Portville, where he is proprietor of a grist-mill and a dealer in flour, feed, and grain. Three of his brothers were also soldiers. In 1868 he married Rosalia PETTY, of New Hudson, N. Y., and they have five sons and three daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1011

 

Surnames:  GRIERSON, McQUENN

 

Thomas GRIERSON, a native of Dumfries, Scotland, came to America in 1860 and settled in Otto, whence in 1861 he removed to Portville, where he followed his trade as a miller and was also a farmer.  He died about 1866.  His wife was Agnes, daughter of James and Mary McQUENN. Children:

William, James, Alexander, Robert, Mary, Geanie, John, Janet, Thomas, Joseph.

Mrs. GRIERSON died in 1848.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1011

 

Surnames:  HOLDEN, TOOMER

 

William HOLDEN, the son of James and Christianna HOLDEN, was born in St. Helen's, Lancashire, England, June 2, 1843.  His parents emigrated to America and landed in New York on June 1, 1856, and settled in Buffalo where William learned the trade of tanning.  Aug. 14, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 16th N. Y. Vols., and was promoted to first lieutenant, his commission being dated July 23, 1863.  When discharged in 1865 he ranked as lieutenant.  He received a severe wound at the siege of Port Hudson and another on the border of Texas.  With his regiment he returned north and participated in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek.  At the close of the war, returning home to Buffalo, he resumed his trade and in Dec., 1868, settled in Olean, where he remained five years.  Since then he has lived in Portville, where he has been engaged in the grocery trade.  In the spring of 1889 he was commissioned postmaster of Portville.  He is a member  of the Presbyterian church and one of its elders.  He married Henrietta TOOMER, of Buffalo, in Sept., 1865, and they have a son and four daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1011

 

Surnames:  HOTTON, COMSTOCK, SLOANE, BONSACK

 

Nicholas HOTTON, born in Germany, July 18, 1858, emigrated to America with his parents in 1861 and in 1869 came to Portville, where he has since resided except about four years spent mainly in Clymer, Chautauqua county.  In 1876 he became a clerk for Mark COMSTOCK, in 1882 a partner, and in 1883 succeeded to the business.  In 1886 his brother, Anthony W. HOTTON, became his partner and the present firm of HOTTON Brothers was formed.  In 1886 he built a feed-mill in Olean, which was conducted by HOTTON & SLOANE until 1890, when Mr. HOTTON sold it to the Acme Milling Company. Mr. HOTTON is a member of the Presbyterian church.  June 11, 1885, he married Louise BONSACK, of Portville; children: Harold J. and Nicholas, Jr.

 

Anthony W. HOTTON, born in Patterson, N. J., April 10, 1863, came to Portville with his parents in 1869 and became an employee of the Portville Tanning Company for six years.  In the summer of 1883 he entered his brother's store as a clerk and in 1886 became a member of the present firm of HOTTON Brothers.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1012

 

Surnames:  KEYES, BLOSSOM, PARISH, JACKSON, DICKINSON

 

Peter KEYES, Jr., was born in Pittsfield, Vt., Sept. 4, 1809.  His parents removed to Eagle, N. Y., in 1815, where he died aged eighty-two years.  His homestead is still owned by his descendants.  His oldest son, Peter KEYES, Jr., married Hannah BLOSSOM in Portage, N. Y., April 1,1832.  She was born in Pike, N. Y., Dec. 29, 1811.  Mr. KEYES was a lumber manufacturer in Portage eight years.  In 1840 he moved to Portville, where he built a saw-mill on Deer creek and followed lumbering in company with the late Smith PARISH over thirty years.  In 1844 he was one of the organizers of the M. E. Church and was elected one of its five trustees, serving either as trustee or steward nearly all the rest of his life.  He died Jan. 9, 1867.  Mrs. KEYES survived until March 10, 1889.  Children:

Myron Peter, born Dec. 18, 1835

Orson S. born March 2 1838, began preparation for the ministry, was postmaster of Portville, a druggist with Dr. JACKSON, a soldier in the Union army, and a prisoner in Andersonville, where he died.

Abby, born June 22, 1843 married Prof. H. E. DICKINSON.

 

Myron Peter KEYES was reared a farmer and lumberman.  He married Eusebia DICKINSON, of Whitney's Point, N. Y.  Nov. 8, 1855, and has followed his father's occupation.  He is a staunch Republican. Children:  Herbert F., Norton E., Leona E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1012

 

Surnames:  LANGWORTHY, CRANDALL, MAXSON, HAIGHT

 

Oliver B. LANGWORTHY, son of Asa and Ruth C. (CRANDALL) LANGWORTHV, was born in Coventry, R. I., Sept. 2, 1823.  At the age of eight he removed with his family from North Stonington, Conn., to Genesee, Allegany county, where he remained until he became twenty-one.  In the fall of 1847 he came to Main Settlement in Portville, where he has since resided.  A raftsman thirty-nine years he ran lumber as a jobber to most of the ports along the Allegheny and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati.  He also purchased and had manufactured lumber on his own account.  He was a carpenter by trade, and now attends to his farm.  He has served as a magistrate a long term of years.  Feb. 8, 1848, he married Happy I. MAXSON; children:  Byron A. born Aug. 9, 1851; Evaline A. born Sept. 7, 1855, died Aug. 16, 1883; Alice O. born June 12, 1861, married W. J. HAIGHT, of Olean; and Fred O., born May 24, 1870.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1012

 

Surnames:  LEAVENS, DAVIS, WESTON, MERSEREAU, DUSENBURY, WHEELER, DAVIS, McLENNAN

 

Eugene LEAVENS son of Royal and Mary (DAVIS) LEAVENS, was born at Glens Falls, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1829.  His grandfather, Hezekiah LEAVENS, a native of France, married a German lady.  They were Huguenot Protestants and fled to America from Romish persecution.  They were of the old school and practiced a dignified, stately politeness.  He was a merchant at Glens Falls, where he and his wife both died in 1834.  Royal LEAVENS, the father of Eugene, was a self-taught scholar and master of the Greek, Hebrew, Latin, French, German, and English languages.  He was for years a teacher and a magistrate, and also followed mercantile pursuits.  He died aged fifty-five.  Eugene LEAVENS, three years after his father s death, began alternately laboring in summer and attending school in winter.  Mr. LEAVENS became expert as a riverman.  In Sept., 1851, he came to Portville and entered the employ of WESTON & MERSEREAU.  He soon became an expert in managing their machinery and saws and in June, 1854, took entire charge of the establishment, which he conducted until Feb., 1857.  He then executed a contract with DUSENBURY, WHEELER & Co. to deliver on the banks of Tionesta creek in Pennsylvania at least 3,000,000 feet of lumber per year for three years.  In 1860 he returned to Portville, where he had a half-interest in the grocery of WESTON & MERSEREAU and again took charge of the mills.  In Nov.,1867, he became a partner in the entire business under the firm name of WESTON, MERSEREAU & Co.  In 1889 the WESTONS retired and since then the business has been conducted by William B. MERSEREAU and Mr. LEAVENS, the firm being MERSEREAU & Co.  The output of these mills is 12,000,000 or 15,000,000 feet of lumber annually.  In Nov., 1851, Mr. LEAVENS married Charlotte, daughter of William DAVIS, of Glens Falls, died April19, 1888.  Children: Helen; Emily married W. B. MERSEREAU; Edith R. married  R. C. McLENNAN; and Frederick, who died aged fifteen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1013

 

Surnames:  MAIN, COLGROVE, STILLMAN, HAMILTON, CRANDALL, CARPENTER, FLINN

 

Sheffield B. MAIN, son of Dewey and Lucillda (COLGROVE) MAIN, was born in Stonington, Conn., March 22, 1788.  He married, in 1818, Emily, daughter of Dea. Jared STILLMAN, and with five children they came from Chenango County to Portville in 1833, settling on the farm on which his son, James S. MAIN, now lives.  At intervals he engaged in carpentering and piloting rafts to Warren, Pa.  The settlement took his name, which it still bears.  He was commissioner of highways and a deacon of the Seventh Day Baptist church, which he aided to organize.  He died Feb. 23, 1878.  Mrs. MAIN died in 1854.  They had five daughters and one son.

 

James S. MAIN, born in Lincoln, N. Y., June 9, 1824, in early life was also a river pilot.  Aug. 28, 1847, he married L. Malvina HAMILTON, who was born in Hornby, Steuben county, in 1829.  Her father, Seymour HAMILTON, was a pioneer of Portville.  Mr. MAIN was a soldier in the Union army.  Both are members of the Seventh Day Baptist church.  Their adopted daughter is the wife of Henry J. CRANDALL.

 

Milton M. MAIN, son of Dewey, was born in Connecticut, March 6, 1802.  March 23, 1823, he married Theda C. CARPENTER, of De Ruyter, N. Y., who was born in Chatham, N. Y., Aug. 27, 1804.  About 1829 Mr. MAIN removed to Friendship, where he resided until March, 1831, when they settled in Portville.  He was for several years a riverman.  The neighborhood soon organized a school, which was taught by Keziah CARPENTER, sister of Mrs. MAIN.  Mr. MAIN died Feb. 17, 1878.  Mrs. MAIN survives.  "Aunt THEDA," as she is familiarly called, has been a member of the M. E. church nearly seventy years.  Of their ten children eight attained mature age and six are now living.  Two of the sons served in the late war, one, William O., dying in Andersonville prison.  Riley F. MAIN, the youngest of the family, resides in Portville village and owns the homestead.  He married Julia E. FLINN, of Belfast, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1013

 

Surnames:  McDOUGALD, WALES, HOLCOMB

 

Archibald McDOUGALD, of Scotch descent, was born in Ontario, Canada, June 28, 1840.  In 1859 he came to Portville, where he has since resided.  He engaged with Wright, Thompson & Bingham, tanners, and was in their employ in all about twelve years.  The past ten years he has conducted a meat market.  He served as constable thirteen years and has been tax collector five years.  Jan. 18, 1862, he married Eliza, daughter of the late William WALES, Esq.  Children:  Ellen E., married  A. HOLCOMB; and Archibald W.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1013 and 1014

 

Surnames:  MERSEREAU, WEED, DICKINSON, REDFIELD, WESTON, MAGEE, BUTTS, WHEELER, LEAVENS, FOX, COLEMAN, BRADFORD

 

Hon. John G. MERSEREAU, son of Joshua MERSEREAU, was born in Guilford, Chenango county, Sept. 23, 1799.  He descended from good French Huguenot stock.  The first of his race in America was an officer of rank in the French army, who had ventured to defend his faith against the imputation of a Romish priest and fled for refuge to the United States and settled on Staten Island.  The grandfather of Mr. MERSEREAU won an honorable distinction in the Revolutionary service as a commissary.  Washington, Lafayette, and other eminent soldiers and statesmen of that time esteemed him highly.  Washington was frequently a guest at his home on Staten Island.  Mr. MERSEREAU passed his early years in his native town and there commenced his business career as a manufacturer of lumber. He pursued this vocation through life faithfully, energetically, and successfully. His first operations were on the headwaters of the Susquehanna, later in Steuben County, and in Tioga county, Pa.  In 1850 he removed to Portville, which was his home until his death Aug. 10, 1883.  Mr. MERSEREAU was a progressive business man, and believed that the best machinery and the best facilities for manufacturing would make the best goods and insure the best returns, and was prompt in adopting them.  He, with WESTON Brothers, built the mills in which they placed the first gang-saws operated on the waters of the Allegany.  Mr. MERSEREAU was characterized by sterling integrity, rare sagacity, executive ability, and great benevolence.  He would severely reprove a delinquent in rugged English; a half-hour later he would bestow upon him favor to the extent of his ability.  He was a patriotic citizen and decided in his political convictions.  He first cast his lot with the Whig party, was one of the first to join the Republican organization, and was ever after a valiant soldier in all its battles.  He was never an aspirant for office or political place, but while a resident of Steuben county he was twice elected to the Legislature, where his strength of character won for him the regard of Thurlow WEED, A. B DICKINSON, other prominent members of his own party, and of all with whom he came in contact.  He was supervisor of Portville in 1863.  To him more than to any other man is due the extension of the Genesee Valley canal from Olean to Portville.  Mr. MERSEREAU was a member of the Presbyterian church from his early manhood and a thorough Christian.  Religion was not with him merely a belief in a creed, but a life to lead, and was shown in liberal charities to the needy, tenderness to the afflicted, care for the sick, and the unbounded love of his noble nature for all mankind.  Mr. MERSEREAU was twice married.  His first wife, Miss Julia REDFIELD, was the mother of his children.  They were: Almira; Harriet, married W. W. WESTON; and Samuel.

 

Samuel MERSEREAU was born in Guilford, Chenango county, Oct. 6, 1823.  His early business training, which was of more than ordinary value, was acquired in the banking house of that eminent banker and business man, Gen. John MAGEE, at Bath, where he remained some years.  He resided later in Lindley, where he served as supervisor.  In 1849 he came to Portville, engaged in lumbering with his father, and pursued this business until his premature death Oct. 7, 1857, at the age of thirty-four years, serving in various town offices, among them supervisor, with great acceptability.  He married Esther BUTTS**, of Rome; she died April 18, 1855, aged thirty-one years.  They had three children:

Almira married Hon. W. E. WHEELER (their children are William, John, Eleanor, Lawrence)

William B. (a prominent manufacturer of Portville, who is now representing the town as supervisor for the fourth time, he married Helen E. LEAVENS, of Portville, and their children are Edith, Esther (deceased), Roland, Eugene, Egbert, and Harrison)

 

John D., who resides at Manistique, Mich., where he is connected with the extensive lumber operations of the Chicago Lumbering Company and the Weston Lumber Company, the financial management of the large business of these firms is conducted by him and A. J. FOX.  Mr. MERSEREAU is in charge of the office.  His wife was Nellie COLEMAN, of Ann Arbor, Mich.  They have one daughter, Irene.

 

The MERSEREAU family has in the past as well as the present been entrusted with the administration of the civil affairs of Portville; by its interest in a large business it has added to the progress and welfare of the community; by its well-known integrity, and the carrying out of principles which trend to the right, it has been an important factor in the prosperity of this eminently intelligent village.

 

**She was a descendant of the historic Gov. William BRADFORD, who, born in Yorkshire, England in 1589, cast in his lot with the Pilgrims, and was one of that immortal band of Mayflower passengers that landed at Plymouth, Mass., in December, 1620.  He was high in the counsels of the leaders of the colony, and held with dignity and acceptation the important office of governor of Plymouth Colony for thirty-one years, dying, surrounded by honors, in Plymouth, May 9, 1657.  His history of the colony shows his great scholarship and erudition, and is a treasured volume.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of John G. MERSEREAU

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1015

 

Surnames:  PACKARD, ROSE, WEBSTER, CRANDALL, LEWIS

 

Ashley G. PACKARD was born in Naples, N. Y., Nov. 5, 18574.  His father, a small farmer and tanner, removed to Tioga county, Pa., when Ashley G. was two years old, where he died about 1840.  At the age of twenty the son came to Portville and has since resided in the town or near vicinity.  His paternal ancestor, Samuel PACKARD, emigrated from England and landed at Old Colony, Mass., Aug. 10, 1638.  His mother, Rebecca (ROSE) PACKARD, was born in Connecticut, Oct. 13, 1795.  Her mother, a WEBSTER, was a cousin of Daniel WEBSTER and is still living in Tioga county, Pa., where an annual reunion of her descendants is attended by five generations.  Both of Mr. PACKARD's grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers and four of his brothers did service in the Rebellion.  Mr. PACKARD was a raftsman thirty-six consecutive years, for thirty of which he was a pilot.  Since then he has been a farmer.  He has served as justice of the peace eight years and also as assessor.  Dec. 31, 1847, he married Virtue V., daughter of Capt. Matthew M. CRANDALL.  She was born in Cortland county, Oct. 7, 1824.  Their only child, Berdett A. PACKARD, born Nov. 1, 1848, married Ella LEWIS, and now resides in Tombstone, Arizona.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1015

 

Surnames:  PARISH, ABBOTT, WALES, SMITH, THOMAS

 

Hon. Smith PARISH, son of Jeremiah and Piety (ABBOTT) PARISH, was born in Stockbridge, Vt., Oct 29, 1804.  His father, a native of Connecticut, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and married in 1787.  In 1807, he removed with his family from Stockbridge to Cherry Valley, N. Y.  In 1818, he settled in Luzerne, N. Y.  At the age of fourteen Smith PARISH lost his mother, and in Aug., 1819, he started on foot with a companion for the Holland purchase.  Late in the fall he returned and in the spring of 1820 persuaded his father to come, and, again on foot, they traveled to Farmersville, where they joined his brother, and where his father settled.  For the next ten years Smith resided alternately in Cattaraugus county, in Luzerne, and in Chinned county, Vt.  In the spring of 1829 he went to Quebec on a raft of timber.  In May, 1830, he visited Olean and in October ensuing came to Portville.  In 1834 he bought 1,000 acres of pine timber land.  Prior to this he had been engaged as a lumberman, jobber, pilot, and dealer.  June 17, 1834, he married Catherine WALES, and was a lumberman until 1841, when he sold his property to William SMITH and removed to Portville village, where he resided until his death.  He was here a large dealer in lumber, shingles, and merchandise, and a pillar of the M. E. church, of which he was one of the founders.  Mr. PARISH was elected a justice of the peace at the first town meeting of Portville in 1838.  He was supervisor in 1852 and member of Assembly in 1864.

 

David L. PARISH, oldest son of Hon. Smith PARISH, was born in Portville, passed his youth at school and in the store, and at the age of twenty-seven engaged in dealing in lumber and shingles.  In 1871 or 1872 he entered mercantile business.  He was burned out in 1875, rebuilt two years later, and  again lost heavily in the conflagration of 1885.  He rebuilt at once and completed the first permanent building after the fire.  A Republican in politics he has steadily refused to accept office.  June 10, 1867, he married Mary R. THOMAS, of Believer, N. Y.; children:  Smith and Edna

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1016

 

Surnames:  PECKHAM, MOORE, CASTLE

 

John A. PECKHAM, son of Hiram, was born in 1842 in Clarksville, Allegany county, whither his parents had removed from Connecticut, their native State, about 1830, settling on a tract of 700 acres, where they lived to more than threescore and ten years.  Mr. PECKHAM held several important town offices.  They raised nine sons and five daughters. 

 

Their son, John A. PECKHAM, enlisted as a musician in the 154th N. Y. Vols.  He was mustered in Aug., 1867, and discharged at the close of the war.  He was in seventy-four battles and skirmishes and marched to Atlanta with General Sherman.  He was wounded five times, had typhoid fever, typhoid pneumonia, and varioloid.  In 1865 he married Marinda MOORE, of Georgia, and after the war settled in Portville, where he still resides.  He has been a sawyer, but is now a stone mason.  Mrs. PECKHAM died in Sept., 1873, being the mother of all his children: John H. born in May, 1866; Florence A. born in 1868, died aged nine years; H. Franklin, born in Feb. 1872; Evalina, born in Aug., 1873.  In 1874 he married Nancy J. CASTLE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1016

 

Surnames:  PERSING, GARRETSON, STANTON, GIBBY, LEWIS

 

David PERSING, son of John and Elizabeth (GARRETSON) PERSING, was born in Columbia county, Pa., Dec. 17, 1822.  Raised a farmer he began his business life as a lumberman on Pine creek in Tioga County, Pa., and followed this avocation until 1864 most of the time conducting also a farm.  In 1857 he bought a farm in Genesee, Allegany county, which he still owns.  In 1880 he retired and settled in Portville, where he now resides.  It was discovered that his farm was good oil territory and since then he has been an oil producer.  Sept. 15, 1850, he married Lurana L. STANTON, of Otselic, N.Y.; children:  William D., of Clarksville, N. Y.; Freeman S.; Cora B. widow of George W. GIBBY; and McClellan L., of Kalamazoo, Mich. Freeman S. PERSING, born in Ceres, Pa., Feb. 11, 1858 received an academic education and taught common schools several terms.  In 1879, he settled in Portville, when he engaged in the hardware business.  July 3, 1879, he married Mary M. LEWIS, of Genesee.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1016

 

Surnames:  RICE, CHAMBERLAIN, WRIGHT, BOARDMAN, HARRISON, SMITH, PARK, SCOVIL

 

Luman RICE, a native of Glastonbury, Conn., was born Jan. 18, 1787.  He settled in Olean in 1818 and kept the old tavern built partly of logs, with a framed wing at either end.  The next year he purchased the unfinished tavern now a part of the Olean House, finished and opened it to the public, and remained its landlord until 1822, when he removed to Portville, where he became the owner of 300 acres of land embraced in the south part of the village.  He opened his house on the river as a tavern and later built a commodious hotel on a more eligible site which was burned and rebuilt.  Besides conducting his tavern he was a lumberman and a farmer.  In 1844 he went to Cincinnati and with Judge CHAMBERLAIN opened a lumberyard.  In 1849 he returned to Portville, where he spent the remainder of his life.  He was a prominent citizen and the first supervisor of this town.  Dec. 2, 1810, Mr. RICE was married, in Homer, N. Y.  Children:  Delia A. (Mrs. Alfred WRIGHT; Marcia P. (Mrs. O. P. BOARDMAN; Luman E., who married Sally HARRISON, of Cincinnati; Ambrew D., who married Sarah S. SMITH; Harriet L. (Mrs. SMITH) of New Orleans; Susan B. (Mrs. John D. PARK) of Cincinnati; and Malvene M. (Mrs. Harvey SCOVIL), of Chicago.

 

Ambrew D. RICE was born in Olean, Feb. 11, 1820.  He went to Portville with his parents in 1822, where he has since resided except about four years spent as a lumberman in Michigan. He erected a saw-mill on Weymouth creek in 1849, which was the first in the southeast part of the county with steam as a motive power.  Lumbering has been the leading occupation of his life.  Mr. RICE is now a farmer and a druggist with his sons Herman L. and Butler H. under the firm name of A. D. RICE & sons.  He was appointed postmaster by General Grant and held the position about sixteen years.  July 26, 1850, he married Sarah S., daughter of Lemuel SMITH.  Children: The sons mentioned and Harriet E.  Herman L. RICE was born in Portville, Jan. 16, 1852.  He was a druggist's clerk in Rochester and Chicago seven years and is the inventor of several patent medicines of value.  Since 1875 he has been a member of the firm of A. D. RICE & Sons.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1017

 

Surnames:  SHATTUCK, COLVRELL, ALLEN

 

Rodney A. SHATTUCK, born in Oswego county, N. Y., April 24, 1852, spent most of his youth in Wayne and Cayuse counties.  In Dec., 1883, he came to Portville and engaged in manufacturing boots and shoes.  About 1887 he opened a small store, where he manufactured and sold ready-made work. In the spring of 1889 he formed a partnership in the shoe trade with B. S. COLVRELL under the firm name of R. A. SHATTUCK & Co.  Mr. SHATTUCK is also an excellent musician and since he has resided in Portville he has been the leader of SHATTUCK'S Orchestra.  Sept. 8, 1878, he married Lucy ALLEN, of Stockbridge, N. Y., and has a daughter and a son.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1017

 

Surnames:  SMITH, HAZELTON, GRAVES

 

W. Hazleton SMITH, A.B., son of Peter and Rachel (HAZLETON) SMITH, was born in Mansfield, March 28, 1860.  His father was a pioneer farmer and the son attended the common schools, the village school in Little Valley, and the Ten Broeck Free Academy, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1880.  He taught alternately in the districts schools while he pursued his academic course and in 1880-81 was principal of the Ellicottville Union School.  He entered Cornell University, from which he was graduated with the degree of A.B. in the class of 1885.  In the fall of that year he became the principal of the Portville Union School, which position he has since held. During his vacation at the close of his first year he held charge of the department of English literature at Round Lake and now holds a like position in the summer school at Silver Lake.  In Jan., 1889, he issued the first number of the Educator, of which he is the founder, proprietor, editor, and publisher.  The paper is devoted to current history, science, and literature.  Its circulation extends to every State in the Union and its subscription list exceeds 20,000.  Aug. 18, 1886, he married Catherine B. GRAVES, of Franklinville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1017

 

Surnames:  TYLER, GORDON, BEDFORD, WARDEN

 

Frank E. TYLER was born in Rushford, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1848, and was reared in Attica, N. Y.  In 1870 he arrived in Portville with $20.50 in his pocket, and this he unfortunately dropped into the Allegheny river.  He at once went to work for his uncle, Luther GORDON, as a laborer, and three years later was made sole manager of his large lumber business, which position he still holds.  He also purchased timber lands and mills in Michigan, where he had large interests.  At the same time he was engaged in producing oil in the Bradford field.  He has been for several years and still is a partner with E. M. BEDFORD in mercantile business and is also a director of the First National Bank of Brockport, N. Y.  Mr. TYLER in politics is a Democrat and represented his town on the Board of Supervisors in 1887 and 1890.  In 1875 he married Mary J., daughter of the late Adam T. WARDEN, of Portville.  Children:  Gertrude E., born in 1876; and Frank E., Jr., born in 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1017

 

Surnames:  VAN WART, CARPENTER, ALEXANDER, WARDEN, PHILLIPS, KEYES

 

Charles W. VAN WART, son of William and Mercy (CARPENTER) VAN WART, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., May 21, 1832.  His parents removed to Black Creek when he was a small boy and thence they wells to Michigan in 1844, where his mother died in 1846.  They soon after returned to Black Creek where his father married Polly ALEXANDER.  In Nov., 1847, they settled in Portville, where Charles W. has since resided.  He became an equal partner at the blacksmith's trade with the late Adam T. WARDEN, which partnership continued twenty years, when Mr. WARDEN withdrew and Mr. VAN WART has since conducted the business alone.  In politics a Republican he has served his town as constable and collector and is now a member of the Board of Health.  In religion a Methodist he has been a member of that church the past forty-five years and has served as one of its stewards twenty-five years.  He has also represented his church as a layman every fourth year since laymen were admitted to the General Conference.  In June, 1850, he married Rachel PHILLIPS, of Portville; their only living child, Kate, married Herbert F. KEYES, a blacksmith with Mr. VAN WART.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1018

 

Surnames:  WALES, WEST, PARISH, RICE, McDOUGALD

 

William WALES, a native of Vermont, was born Dec. 28, 1796, married Eliza WEST, of Allegany, Aug. 7, 1839, who was born Nov. 10, 1818, and about 1840 came to Portville and entered the employ of Smith PARISH.  He began business for himself keeping the hotel erected by Luman RICE and later he conducted a grocery store till near the close of his life.  He died in Feb., 1861.  Mrs. WALES died March 6, 1882.  Mr. WALES was elected justice of the peace in 1840, served twelve consecutive years, and was again elected in 1833.  He served as town clerk from 1844 to 1860 and was postmaster of Portville many years during his residence here.  He was a member of the Methodist church. His oldest daughter, Eliza, born Aug. 13, 1840, is the wife of Archibald McDOUGALD, of Portville.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1018

 

Surnames:  WARDEN, HENDERSON, SMITH, WATTS

 

Adam T. WARDEN, born in Scotland in 1806, married there Elizabeth HENDERSON.  He was a boiler maker by trade and removed to England and thence to Germany during an agitation among the trade unionists.  In 1841 he emigrated to America and engaged in blacksmithing.  About 1848 he came to Portville, where he died April 19, 1891.  His son, John H. WARDEN, was born in Hamburg, Germany, in Feb., 1841.  He came to Portville with his parents and learned of his father the trade of blacksmith.  He subsequently became a harness maker and started in that business about 1865.  In Dec., 1879, besides his harness business, he had a half-interest with his father in a furniture store and undertaking establishment.  In Dec., 1886, he purchased his father's interest and has since conducted the business alone.  He served as town clerk; eleven years and was postmaster of Portville during Cleveland's first administration.  Mr. WARDEN married Miss M. P. SMITH, of Portville, children: Grace E. married H. WATTS; and Maggie A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Pages 1018 - 1020

 

Surnames:  WARNER, ANDREWS, RICE, PARISH, COSSITT

 

Dennis WARNER was born in Phelps, Ontario county, July 13,1799, and was descended from New England stock.  His grandfather, Deal Jesse WARNER, at a very early day emigrated from Connecticut to Phelps, where he bought a large tract of land at the nominal price of eighteen cents per acre and subsequently gave to each of his boys a farm of fair dimensions.  Deacon WARNER died at the great age of ninety-six years.  Dennis WARNER resided in Phelps until he was eighteen, when he went to Olean and entered the store of Judge F. S. Martin as a clerk.  Feb. 8, 1820, he married Miss Clarissa ANDREWS, a niece of the pioneer, Luman RICE.  She was born in Homer, N. Y., Oct. 8,1801.  Soon after their marriage they settled on the southern bank of the Allegany, opposite where the village of Weston's Mills is situated.  Mr. WARNER purchased a saw-mill and engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber.  Allen RICE owned a saw-mill across the river, and both mills were furnished power by the same dam.  Mr. WARNER died in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 21, 1826, on one of his trips to that place to market his lumber.  He was an active and prominent young man of pleasing address, and served the town of Olean efficiently in town offices.  After Mr. WARNER'S death Mrs. WARNER fought the battle of life for herself and three children for many years until her children were of an age to lend her a helping hand.  She died in 1850 at the home of her daughter in Gloversville, N. Y.

 

Col. Lewis D. WARNER, oldest son of Dennis WARNER, was born in the home on the Allegany in 1822.  He was early accustomed to labor and deprivations and when old enough was bound out as an apprentice to learn the tanning and currying business, in which he endured so hard a life of service that even now he regrets he did not run away.  At the close of his apprenticeship, and at the age of twenty-one, he received a decent suit of clothes, his first pair of boots, and $6 in cash.  In the fall of 1845, he returned to Portville, where he has since resided.  He was several years in the employ of Smith PARISH and made an annual trip down the river.  About 1854 he began business as a carpenter and joiner, which trade, with rafting, he carried on until 1862.  His patriotism then impelled him to serve his country as a soldier.  Accordingly he recruited a company and went to the seat of war as captain of Co. C, 154th N. Y. Vols. This regiment was organized in Jamestown, N. Y., and transferred to Virginia in October of that year.  "From that time until the first of May," Colonel WARNER says, "we did a large amount of marching and counter-marching, but were in no engagement.  May 2d, at Chancellorsville, we were a part of the Eleventh Corps, the record of which is well understood by readers of war history.  The most unfortunate thing about the 154th was that we had not learned to run when we ought to have done so.  The regimental loss on that day was over 200 in killed and wounded.  Our next engagement was at Gettysburg, where the losses were heavy.  The remainder of the summer we were with the Army of the Potomac.  The following autumn the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps were transferred to the west. Our first work was relieving the army shut up in Chattanooga.  We took an active part in the battles of Chattanooga and Mission Ridge and then marched to the relief of Knoxville.  Returning to Lookout Valley we remained in winter quarters until the commencement of the Atlanta campaign of 1864, and participated in nearly all the battles and skirmishes incident to that campaigns, which closed with the occupation of Atlanta.  In the organization of the march to Savannah our corps (the Twentieth) formed a part of the left wing of the army.  In that and the march northeast through the Carolinas and until the close of the war we were ever present for duty.  After Johnston's surrender we started home, marching all the way to Washington, where we were mustered out and sent home, arriving there about the 1st of July, 1865."  Colonel WARNER was commissioned captain in Aug., 1862; major in May 1863; lieutenant-colonel in Sept., 1864; and colonel in Jan, 1865.  With the exception of two short periods, when the regiment was in winter quarters, he was with his command continuously during its term of service; except sixteen months, during which he held the rank of major, he was in command of and responsible for the regiment, and was never accused of cowardice.  He was always ready and present to lead his command, never flinched from any duty, and a truer, braver, soldier never drew a sword, and it is the unanimous testimony of his comrades that he never knew fear.  Since his return he has followed his trade with the exception of a six years' clerkship in the office of Weston, Mersereau & Co. and a year and a half in the county clerk's office.  He has also had political honors.  He has served as supervisor of Portville ten terms, has filled the office of justice of the peace nearly twenty years, and has been inspector of elections about fifteen years.  Colonel WARNER is modest and extremely unassuming, a true patriot devoted to his country, is one of Portville's most honored citizens, and a leading  representative war hero of Cattaraugus county.  In July, 1893, at the unveiling of the statue erected by the State of New York at Gettysburg to the memory of the New York soldiers who participated in the battle, Colonel WARNER was marshal of the Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps.  In Dec., 1857, he married Miss Mary M. COSSITT, of Pompey N. Y., and their surviving children are three sons and a daughter, all married.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Lewis D. WARNER

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Pages 1020 & 1021

 

Surnames:  WESTON, FERGUSON, ADAMS, WARREN, FOX, BRONSON, MERSEREAU, KINTCEL

 

William Wallace WESTON. – The student of early American history can not have failed to notice the connection of the English Westons with the early settlement of this country.  Thomas WESTON, of Bristol, Eng., was one of the London "merchant adventurers" who fitted out the Mayflower in 1620.  He and others of the name were prominent in Virginia settlements and in that of Massachusetts Colony.  The WESTONS of this county, however, come not of this stock, but descend from the Scotch branch of the family, the paternal grandfather of William Wallace WESTON coming to Warren county in this State from Edinburgh, Scotland, when a lad, with one John FERGUSON.  He passed his life in Warren county, marrying and having a family of six children of whom James D. was one of the younger.  James D. WESTON became an extensive lumberman on the upper Hudson and its tributaries, and brought his sons up to be fully acquainted with all departments of lumbering.  He married Lela ADAMS, a descendant of the early Massachusetts WARRENS and ADAMSES so conspicuous in Revolutionary days.  Her father, Abijah ADAMS was a native of Connecticut and one of a family of twelve children, each measuring six feet and upwards in height.  He was an ensign in the Revolution, and was once sick for six weeks with the measles in the forests of Long Island encompassed by British soldiers.  After his recovery, as he was an expert swimmer, he escaped from captivity by swimming the Sound and dodging the cannon shot of the English squadron by diving.  After the Revolution he conducted a pottery of the red-clay ware then in use for some years but later removed to Luzerne in Warren county, this State, where he engaged in lumbering during his active life.  His died aged eighty-two years.

 

William Wallace WESTON, son of James D. and Lela (ADAMS) WESTON, was born in Warren county, March 4, 1830, received an academic education, and tilde his immediate ancestors became a lumberman.  In 1849 he was connected with the Lumber company (FOX, WESTON & BRONSON) at Painted Post, Steuben county, of which his older brother, Abijah, was a member. In 1850 he came to the Allegany valley the junior member of the firm of WESTON Brothers (A., O., and W. W. WESTON), who, in company with John G. MERSEREAU, purchased a small mill at the mouth of the Oswayo, remodeled it, and brought eastern methods and the gang-saw to the complete revolution of lumbering methods in this section.  This was the commencement of their operations here and the next year they began to build a mill at Weston's Mills, where a small village has been evolved by their operations.  From 1850 to the present writing (1893)  Mr. WESTON has actively devoted himself to the interests of WESTON Brothers located in this vicinity, and today is as energetic and vigorous as many a younger man.  His brother Orren has been connected with him for many years until the enormous growth of their western business demanded his removal to Tonawanda about 1887.  In or about 1850 the firm of WESTON, MERSEREAU & Co. also was formed by the WESTON Brothers and JOHN G. MERSEREAU. This Firm and its successors (WESTON Brothers retiring in 1888) has had an extensive and prosperous career.  The operations of the WESTON Brothers have been and are extensive.  They have manufactured here large quantities of lumber and have owned large areas of land in this vicinity and northern Pennsylvania.  They now, with others, own over 200,000 acres of valuable pine lands in the northern peninsula of Michigan, where they have mills producing annually 80,000,000 feet of lumber.  Their headquarters are at Manistique, where they control the Chicago Lumbering Company, the Weston Lumber Company, the White Marble Lime Company, and the Weston Furnace Company all extensive in their operations. Commencing life with limited capital, but thorough knowledge of their business, their sagacious foresight led them into purchases of large tracts of timber land which rapidly appreciated in value.  Their operations at Weston's Dills now consist of mills with 80,000 feet daily production (which employ from 100 to 120 men), planing-mills, shingle-mills, etc., and a general store doing an annual business of $40,000. The firm is now "A. Weston Lumber Company," an incorporation organized in Jan., 1892. Weston's Mills postoffice was established in 1873 with W. W. WESTON as postmaster.  He still holds the position.  Mr. WESTON has shrunk from political position sedulously through life, but as a matter of duty served his town five years as commissioner of highways.  He is a public spirited and esteemed citizen and an honorable business man.  One of his neighbors and friends with whom he has extensive business transactions says of him: " An honest man does not live."  He is kindly and pleasant in his manners, a strong friend, a generous neighbor, an agreeable companion, and an ardent Republican who keeps himself thoroughly informed on all the matters of the day.   May 3, 1858, he married Harriet, daughter of Hon. John G. MERSEREAU.  Their only son, Wallace, was born Sept. 15, 1862; he married Emma KINTCEL and they have two children, Edith H. and Dorothy V.   He has a financial interest in the firm, is secretary of "A. WESTON Lumber Company," and is in charge of the office at WESTON'S Mills.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of William Wallace WESTON

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Pages 1021 - 1025

 

Surnames:  WHEELER, KNOX, MAY, DUSENBURY, GREGORY, KELSEY, VAN BERGEN, DAY, BARSE, HIGGINS, MORRIS, ATKINS, SKINNER, CLARKE, SMITH, MERSEREAU, ELMER, WARNER, HOLLY, JACOBS, BELL

 

Hon. William F. WHEELER* was born in June, 1811, in the town of Hancock, Delaware county, N. Y.  He was the son of William WHEELER, a native of New London, Conn.  The elder William WHEELER lived for some years in Blandford, Mass., and when twenty-one years old came from there to Hancock with three brothers.  They had no capital, but purchased pine timber, built a cabin on the bank of the Delaware river, and began the business of lumbering.  They cut the trees, hauled them to the river-bank, and "run" them in rafts to Philadelphia.  Their first raft was "stove," as raftsmen say; that is, broken to pieces and lost.  This did not discourage them.  They came back without money, but with good credit, and at once began getting out more timber.  William WHEELER piloted the next raft himself and it went safely to Philadelphia.  He continued in this branch of the lumbering business ten years, when he married Eleanor KNOX, of Blandford, built a mill, and manufactured lumber for the Philadelphia market.  In 1813 the family moved to Deposit (then called Cook House from the Indian name, Kookoose) in Delaware county.  Here young William F. WHEELER spent a happy boyhood of work and play in company with his four brothers and two sisters.  He could ride a slab either side up on the river, or a horse without saddle or bridle.  When fifteen years old he went to Philadelphia on his father's lumber and acquired a fondness for rafts and the life of a lumberman.  When ready to return his father gave him his choice: to ride home by way of New York or to walk home and save his money.  He chose the latter way and walked. home with other young men.  His father owned mills and timber on the Starucca creek, fourteen miles from Deposit.  Here the son enjoyed taking charge of men at work, getting in logs in winter and piling lumber in summer.  This kind of occupation did not fit him well for the quieter life of a farmer for which his father intended him. In April, 1833, he was placed in charge of a large farm belonging to his father in Greene, Chenango county, but though he worked hard he was always thinking of pine trees, saw-mills, and rafts.  Hearing of great forests of pine timber in the valley of the Allegany river, he studied maps and statistics of this region with his father and others and decided that this was the only source of lumber supply for the whole valley of the Mississippi. The elder William WHEELER (always called "Deacon WHEELER") and 'Deacon" Ezra MAY (also of Deposit) went to the Allegany river to look the ground over.  They bought 1,500 acres of pine timber and a saw-mill on Dodge creek in what is now the town of Portville, then a part of Olean.  On their return to Deposit a company was formed consisting of Ezra MAY, William WHEELER, William F. WHEELER, Henry DUSENBURY, Edgar GREGORY, and Russell KELSEY, the firm name being DUSENBURY, WHEELER, MAY & Co.  The purpose of the company was to buy more land, build a store, and, in time do a large lumbering business.  This plan was carried out.  At the end of a year Mr. KELSEY sold his interest in the firm to Henry VAN BERGEN, of Cincinnati.  Every member of the new firm was an experienced and practical lumberman.  It was their avowed purpose not only to do business in an energetic and thorough manner, but also to exert a strong moral and Christian influence in the community where they lived.

 

In February of 1834 William F. WHEELER first came to the new place of business, making the journey by stage to Friendship and walking the remaining seventeen miles.  Life in the wild forests of the Allegany was very different from that along the more settled shores of the Delaware. Nothing like a Christian Sabbath was known in the region to which the young man had come.  His first Sunday was spent in the saw-mill looking out upon the water pouring over the dam and thinking of home and the friends he had left.  The partners in Deposit had made a contract with a builder to put up the new store.  It was to be built and raised without the use of liquor. This was difficult to accomplish, for no substantial building had ever been raised in that vicinity without liquor being provided for the men.  Deacon MAY had come, and both he and William F. WHEELER determined that in this case no liquor should be furnished.  Their builder said they could never find men to raise it, and they replied:  "Then let the timber rot on the ground."The timber was heavy and the building could not be raised without many men.  Mr. WHEELER rode on horseback for six miles, calling on men to come to a " cold water raising."  The men laughed and said they had never heard of such a thing.  But they came and the building was raised.  It was then said:  "There must be liquor in it to treat the customers," for this was the universal practice all along the river.  But in this also the strict principles of the firm prevailed, and no liquor has ever been sold upon their property.  The first lumber they produced (pine lumber of good quality) was sold in Pittsburgh at $4.75 a thousand feet, and they were obliged to take horses for part of the payment.  This price made them a loss of more than a dollar on a thousand feet.  The prospect was gloomy: prices were low; the new firm was in debt and it was necessary to buy more land in order to succeed.  But their courage never failed.  At this time mail reached them only once a week, the postoffice being first in Olean and afterward in Mill Grove.  Religious services were held in Mr. WHEELER'S dialing room: and in 1836 the firm built a little school house, which was also used for a church.  Sometimes a Methodist and  sometimes a Presbyterian was the minister.  At one time they engaged a Seventh Day Baptist to work at rolling logs through the week and preaching Sundays, and they paid him the same price for both kinds of work.  Previous to this Mr. WHEELER had been in the habit of riding on horseback to Olean and attending service held in an upper room in a house then owned by David DAY, afterward by C. V. B. BARSE, and now, in 1892, by F. W. HIGGINS.  The Rev Mr. MORRIS; an Episcopal clergyman from Ellicottville, conducted these services, which were not held at regular intervals.

 

The mercantile business was conducted chiefly by Mr. DUSENBURY.  WHEELER said of him: "Mr. DUSENBURY was a thorough-going, upright business man, well fitted for the position he occupied. Conscientious in every act, reliable as the sun, he watched every need and development of our business, and his stability gave success to the firm.  We were well fitted to work together as each possessed qualities lacking in the other".  Their custom was to make all indebtedness payable on the first day of July without interest, and they never failed to meet the payments at that time.  This promptness kept their credit good.  The banking business was all done at Bath in Steuben county, seventy miles away, that being the nearest bank.  In 1837 they opened a lumber yard in Cincinnati; and about a year afterward they purchased 4,000 acres of pine timber and a mill on Tionesta creek in Forest county, Pa.  To make this purchase Mr. WHEELER made a long journey on horseback through the forests with snow six inches deep.  After riding thirty-six miles the first afternoon he spent the night in a log house and pushed on the next day by a path through the woods, there being, no road.  When the path came to an end he followed the creek, in which he rode for about eight miles.  Reaching the property he examined the timber and secured the land, having to go to Franklin to draw the necessary papers.  He then returned on horseback through the woods to his home.  He had promised to make a cash payment of $8,000  (then a very large amount) within thirty days.  Reaching Portville after his ride of 150 miles from Franklin he changed his horse for a fresh one and rode on to Bath without taking rest.  Here he obtained some money and then rode on to Deposit to see his father and obtain the rest.  He made the journey of 200 miles in four days from the time of leaving Portville.  They soon purchased more property in Pennsylvania, where they have continued the lumbering business to the present time.

 

In 1839 Mr. WHEELER married Miss Flora ATKINS, daughter of Judge Q. F. ATKINS, of Cleveland, Ohio, then living in Olean.  She was a most detour member of the Presbyterian church.  Mr. WHEELER himself had united with the Presbyterian church in Deposit at the age of twenty years.  As there was no Presbyterian church in Cattaraugus county it was thought best to organize one in Olean, it being a central point.  This was done in 1838, both Mr. WHEELER and Mr. DUSENBURY being active in its organization, which took place in the house occupied by Judge ATKINS.  Mr. WHEELER and Mr. DUSENBURY with their families attended church regularly in Olean until the formation of  the Portville church, services at first being held in a wagon shop purchased for a church.  In 1849 a Presbyterian church was organized in Portville and Mr. DUSENBURY and Mr. WHEELER were prominent among its founders.  Services were her held first in a school house and afterward in the Methodist church.  In 1852 the Presbyterian church building in Portville was erected.  For eight years Mr. WHEELER was superintendent of the Sunday school and for several years he was the sole trustee of the public school.  In 1850 Mrs. WHEELER died, leaving three children: Nelson P., Egbert (William E.) and Augusta (Mrs. E. A. SKINNER), two having died.  In 1851 Mr. WHEELER of Deposit, died and in the following year William F. WHEELER married Miss Marilla CLARKE of Peacham, Vt., a wife in every way worthy of him, and who survives him.  Of this marriage there was but on child, a daughter Lilla C.  After the death of Mr. DUSENBURY in 1860 Mr. WHEELER, with his two sons and the three sons of Mr. DUSENBURY, continued the business under the name of William F. WHEELER & Co.  This establishment has not remained merely a firm of lumbermen; its business has extended in many important and different directions, and through all their varied and complicated transactions the most kindly relations have always existed between the members of the firm, and their trust in each other's integrity and honor has remained unbroken.

 

In 1860 Mr. WHEELER was elected an elder in the Presbyterian church.  When in 1871 the First National Bank of Olean was organized (it being the first National bank in the county) Mr. WHEELER was elected president and held this office continuously until his death.  In 1879 he was elected to the State Legislature, but refused to be a second time a candidate.  He always took a deep interest in politics and was pronounced and outspoken in his opinions; at first one of the early Whig party, afterward a strong and active Republican.  He was always public spirited and generous, taking an interest in all enterprises for the good of his own and neighboring towns.  One of his greatest pleasures was in making a benevolent use of his means.  His gifts were not confined to his own church or his own denomination.  The churches of his own village and (with a single exception) all those of Olean have received aid from him.  The different churches of Deposit his (early home), and of the regions in Pennsylvania and in Michigan where his property lay, have received substantial tokens of his generosity.  Many a poor student, struggling toward an education, has found his hand stretched out to help.  The children of the Orphans' Home at Randolph for years have had abundant cause to thank him.  His abounding cheerfulness, his hearty friendliness, his sound judgment, and his wise counsels have blessed many who needed a friend.  He retained his strength of mind and his vigor of body to a remarkable degree into old age.  He continued to ride on horseback until he was eighty years old, and he took pleasure in driving a pair of spirited horses of his own raising until  within a few weeks of his death.  On the 6th of June, 1892, a few days before his eighty-first birthday, and surrounded by his wife and children, Mr. WHEELER died at his home in Portville, where he had spent his long and useful life.

 

*By Miss Lilla C. WHEELER.

 

Hon. Nelson P. WHEELER, son of Hon. William F. WHEELER, was born in Portville in Nov., 1841.  He was educated in the academies of Olean, Deposit, and Homer is a member of the firms of the WHEELERS and DUSENBURYS and with his family resides in Tidioute, Pa.  He has had charge of the large lumbering and tanning interests of WHEELER & DUSENBURY and WHEELER, DUSENBURY & Co., and went to Pennsylvania in 1870.  Mr. WHEELER is an elder of the  Presbyterian church and in 1879 he was a Republican representative in the State Legislature. In 1877 he married Rachel A SMITH, of Cincinnati.  They have three sons and two daughters.  Hon. William Egbert WHEELER, son of the late Hon. William F. WHEELER was born in Portville, Nov. 21, 1843.  He prepared for college in Deposit and Homer, N. Y., and entered the sophomore class of Hamilton College in 1863 where he remained one year.  He then entered the junior class of Yale College and was graduated in the class of 1866.  After leaving college he became interested in the long established firms composed of the WHEELERs and the DUSENBURYs, of Portville.  In 1870 they began the manufacture of leather in Portville, where he has charge, and in 1878 they began the production of oil, in which also he is still engaged. Mr. WHEELER is a director and the vice-president of the First National Bank of Olean and a director of the National Bank of Westfield, N. Y.  He has always been a Republican and was a member of the County Committee of his party in 1884, has attended several State conventions, and has been a member of the school board many years.  He was supervisor of Portville from 1882 to 1886 inclusive and again in 1888; was elected to the Assembly from the First District of Cattaraugus county in Nov., 1891, and was re-elected by the whole county in Nov., 1892.  In 1875 he married Allie E. MERSEREAU, granddaughter of Hon. John G. MERSEREAU.  They have three sons and a daughter.

 

Darius WHEELER, born in Newfane, Vt., March 8, 1801, moved with his father and family in 1813 or 1814 to Hoosick, N. Y., thence to Greene, N. Y., in 1819, and finally to Genesee flats in Nunda (now Hume), Allegany county, into, where his parents spent the remainder of their lives.  In the fall of 1831, with his brother-in-law, Elijah ELMER, he came to Portville on a tour of observation.  In 1832 he settled here permanently. Messrs. WHEELER and ELMER purchased of Griswold WARNER a saw-mill on the site of MERSEREAU & Co.'s mills, and a large tract of timber land, and Mr. WHEELER was an extensive lumberman in the firms of WHEELER & ELMER, WHEELER & SMITH, and WHEELER & HOLLY until 1850, when he sold to WESTON, MERSEREAU & Co. and afterward gave his attention to farming.  He died Nov. 6, 1877.  He served as assessor and was otherwise prominent in town affairs.  He married Isabel JACOBS, Jan. 6, 1834, who died in 1883.  Children: Franklin, born Dec. 6, 1834; Ruth (Mrs. Frank BELL), born Jan. 21, 1837; Samuel J., born June 1, 1842; and Augustus H., born July 20, 1846.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of William F. WHEELER

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1025

 

Surnames:  WRIGHT, HOLIDAY, CRANDALL, PERCIVAL, DUSENBURY, COMSTOCK, THOMPSON, CLARK, BENNIE

 

Charles Knapp WRIGHT. – The historian considers that he is performing a duty to posterity when he uses his pen to give a sketch of the character struggles. difficulties, and successes of the men of the pioneer period of our civilization, and presenting for its perusal the reasons of their successes, founded as they are on sterling qualities of head and heart.  Conspicuous among the early business men of Portville, an active force in all that goes to make up the better elements of community, and a liberal, popular, yet unostentatious citizen, we find Charles K. WRIGHT.  He is of English ancestry, which has come down through generations of New England representatives to New York State.  His father, James WRIGHT, a lumberman, located in Delaware county, where by his first wife he had eight children.  In 1814 he removed to Eldred, then Ceres, Allegany county, and by his second wife, Urania HOLIDAY, had these children:  Alfred, John H., George P., Eliza A. (Mrs. George CRANDALL), Hiram E., Caroline A. (Mrs. Edward PERCIVAL), Charles K., and Albert J.

 

Charles K. was born July 10 1825, and was six years old when his father died.  Work on the farm and attendance at pioneer schools occupied him until he was twelve years old.  He then remained on the farm with his mother and brother William until he was seventeen, then worked as a farm hand elsewhere nearly two years, and in 1843 came to Portville to learn the wagon maker's trade, and worked two years, receiving $6 a month as wages.  He then started in business on his own account, but in nine months' time was seized with inflammatory rheumatism, which ultimately settled in his chest and has made him a life-long sufferer.  Having no inherited wealth he exhausted his frugal savings in the year and a half he was prostrated by his disease, and as soon as he could do any labor he engaged with DUSENBURY, WHEELER & Co. as clerk in their store, receiving $5 a month for the first year.  During this year he saved one-half his salary.  The next two years he was paid $5 a month and in this time he saved $300.  His disease again unfitting him for labor he expended his money in a vain attempt to recover his health by a residence on the Atlantic coast of New England.  He returned to Portville in 1848 in circumstances that would dishearten many men.  In broken health and with only $5 as his entire capital the outlook was not promising. He had, however, become known to the people as a reliable, temperate, and religious man, worthy of trust and confidence, and Hon. Smith PARISH, a leading lumberman, offered to stock a store if Mr. WRIGHT would become his partner and conduct it, his services to be equivalent to Mr. PARISH's capital.  This offer was gladly accepted, the store * was erected under Mr. WRIGHT's supervision, and was conducted successfully by him for five years, when his health again failed and compelled him to sell his interest.  Mr. WRIGHT now became a pioneer tanner.  Mark COMSTOCK was running a small tannery in w which he was tanning 500 hides annually.  Foreseeing that a rapid increase of this industry could be made Mr. WRIGHT bought one-half of the tannery.  After two years, becoming thoroughly conversant with the business, and Mr. COMSTOCK not being sanguine enough to believe in its extension, Mr. WRIGHT bought the whole plant and enlarged it to a capacity of 10,000 hides a year.  In 1857 B. F. THOMPSON & Co., of Boston, became partners, and continued as such until 1861.  For the next two years Mr. WRIGHT ran the business alone, but in 1863 J. & H. H. CLARK, of Keokuk, Iowa, purchased an interest, and the tannery was enlarged to produce 30,000 hides annually.  In 1870 the CLARK’s sold to William F. WHEELER & Co. and another enlargement was made, increasing the output to 52,000 hides annually.  In 1887 Mr. WRIGHT sold his share of the tannery to his partners.  The same year, in company with James E. and N. E. CLARK, of Keokuk, Iowa, he established and built the tannery at East Olean of a capacity of 32,000 hides yearly of " Union Crop Sole Leather."  Here he was very successful in business.  May 1,1893, the firm was merged in the U. S. Leather  Company.  Under the religious care of his mother Mr. WRIGHT became a Sabbath school scholar at a very early age, and has, from that time, interested himself in Sabbath school work, and since he has lived in Portville has been either teacher or superintendent.  He has been a member of the Presbyterian church for over thirty years and has been an " elder " for many years.  He was a commissioner in attendance at the General Assembly that met at Portland, Oregon, in 1892, and has frequently been a delegate to the Presbytery.  While living at Eldred, and at the age of ten or twelve, he joined the old Washingtonian Temperance Society, and from that time he has been actively connected with some temperance organization.  In politics he has been an unswerving Whig and Republican, but never sought office, and has taken the Royal Arch degree in Free Masonry and the Encampment degree in Odd Fellowship.  He married, May 26, 1851, Mary M. BENNIE.  Mr. WRIGHT has fought the battle of life courageously and with success; he is beloved and respected by all good citizens for his sterling qualities and worth; and the example of his life is a valuable lesson to the aspiring youth of today and coming time, as it shows that true Christian character united with courage and energy is the key-note of honorable success.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Charles Knapp WRIGHT

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Portville – Chapter XLIII (43)

Page 1027

 

Surnames:  WRIGHT, RICE, SIMPSON

 

Alfred WRIGHT, son of James, was born in Colchester, N. Y., June 3, 1809.  In 1813 the family removed to Eldred.  In early youth he was bound out as an apprentice to the trade of carpenter and joiner in Smethport, Pa., where he served until he became twenty-one.  He then prosecuted his trade in Olean and Portville.  Feb. 4, 1834, he married Delilah A., daughter of the late Luman RICE.  He settled permanently in Portville in 1838, where he died Oct. 8, 1888.  Many edifices that were burned in the fire of 1875 were monuments to his skill and industry, and several yet remain.  Mr. WRIGHT was a member of the Methodist church and one of its trustees.  He had one daughter, Martha A., widow of Levi W. SIMPSON.

 

 

TOWN OF RANDOLPH

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1039 & 1040

 

Surnames:  ABBEY, STANLEY

 

Orange ABBEY, born in Vermont  about 1802, came to Randolph from Onodaga county when young and located where L. Carter now lives.  He contracted to cut the pine timber growing on the grounds surrounding Chamberlain Institute.  He subsequently sold out and located where Allen Archer now lives.  He married Mary, daughter of Joseph STANLEY.  He sold his place to Reuben Archer and settled on a farm given to his wife by her father and now owned by his son, Jefferson M. ABBEY.  He died in Oct., 1877.  Mrs. ABBEY survived until April, 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, PHELPS, CAMP, CRANE, LEWIS, CRAVENS

 

Charles P. ADAMS, son of Edwin and China (PHELPS) ADAMS, was born in Greene, N. Y., Dec 3, 1825, received a common school education, and in 1844 began as a clerk in a general store at Fredonia.  He finally settled in Randolph and opened a store with William H. CAMP under the firm name of CAMP and ADAMS.  About a year afterward he bought the interest of his partner and conducted a general mercantile business alone until 1866, when his brother became a partner, which relation continued until 1874, when he sold to his brother and was instrumental in organizing the State Bank of Randolph, having held the position of cashier continuously ever since.  Aug. 31, 1852, he married  Cornelia F., daughter of Judge John CRANE, of Fredonia.  Children: Frances, (Mrs. H. R. LEWIS) and Douglas C.  Douglas C. ADAMS was born May 31, 1864, received his education at Chamberlain Institute, and is a hardware dealer in Randolph.  Sept. 15, 1888, he married B. M., daughter of O. B. CRAVENS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, CROWLEY, RATHBONE

 

Theodore E. ADAMS, brother of Charles P., was born in Corydon, Pa., Oct. 26, 1839, became a clerk in a general store in Fredonia at the age of fourteen, and later he spent several terms at Ellington Academy.  In 1857 he came to  Randolph and was his brother's clerk until 1865, when he became a partner under the name of C. P. ADAMS and Co.  Since 1874 he has continued alone.  Dec 14, 1865 he married Mary L., daughter of Asahel CROWLEY.  Children: Theodora (Mrs. William D. RATHBONE), Percy C., and Florence C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

 

Surnames:  ADAMS, MORGAN, SCOFIELD, BASSETT, CARPENTER

 

Frank W. ADAMS was born in Livingston county, Sept. 28, 1842.  He was graduated at the "Old Round House" in Le Roy, N. Y., and commenced the sale of dry goods there in 1863 in the firm of MORGAN & ADAMS.  In 1880 he sold out and went to Jamestown, N. Y., where he continued in the firm of SCOFIELD & ADAMS until 1887.  He then became a general merchant at East Randolph in the firm of ADAMS & BASSETT and is now conducting the business alone.  Aug. 9 1871, he married Irene CARPENTER, of Le Roy.  They have two sons and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

 

Surnames:  ALEXANDER, McLEOD, RUNDALL, COLLAR

 

William L. ALEXANDER, son of William and Margaret (McLEOD) ALEXANDER, was born in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, Aug. 10, 1856, and is of Scotch descent.  He attended Toronto University, and received his pharmaceutical education in the Albany Medical College.  He became deputy recorder in McKean county, Pa., which position he held about seven years.  He studied medicine, and in March, 1885, came to Randolph and purchased the drug and stationery business of D. F. RUNDALL, which he still continues.  He is a trustee for the village.  Sep. 12, 1883, he married Minnie COLLAR, of Smethport, Pa.  They have two sons.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1040

 

Surnames:  ANGLE, CLARK, COVERT, BRACE

 

John N. ANGLE was born Feb. 1, 1795, and married, March 11, 1817, Betsey CLARK, who was born Oct. 9, 1797.  Children: Nicholas, Eleanor, Almira A. (Mrs. Anthony COVERT), Mary E. (Mrs. Elisha BRACE), Nancy M., Emily, Lucinda, and Phebe J.  Mr. ANGLE came to Randolph about 1828.  He was assessor and prominent in town affairs.  At one time he owned and operated a shingle-mill where Freedon L. Jeffords now is.  For a short time he resided in Michigan, but returned thence to Cold Spring, where he died aged 85.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1040 & 1041

 

Surnames:  ARCHER, CASWELL, BRACE, WILLIAMSON

 

Benson ARCHER came to Randolph from Henrietta, N. Y., in 1824 and resided about two years on lot 48, whence he removed to 100 acres on lot 21, now known as the ARCHER district.  He was a river pilot and made frequent trips down the river and also in harvest-time went on foot to Monroe County to labor in the harvest fields.  He and his wife were members of the Baptist church and he was its deacon many years.  He also served several terms as poormaster.  Deacon ARCHER died instantly of apoplexy Nov. 5, 1871.  Mrs. ARCHER died as suddenly in 1874.  They had twelve children.  Rueben ARCHER, their oldest son, was born in Henrietta, N. Y., April 7, 1922, and came to Randolph, attended the common schools, and married Narcissa, daughter of Sylvester CASWELL, Sept. 21, 1848.  He eventually owned the homestead in addition to his own home, altogether some 350 acres.  He was highway commissioner and died Sept 21, 1876.  His widow resides with her only son, Allen ARCHER.  They also had one daughter, Etta (Mrs. Russell BRACE), who resides on the homestead.  Allen ARCHER was born Sept 7, 1854, was educated in Chamberlain Institute, and April 26, 1888, married Maggie WILLIAMSON.  He is his father's successor on the homestead and has added to it until his farm now contains 240 acres.  He is a breeder of high grade Durham and Holstein cattle and Shropshire and Oxforddown sheep.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

 

Surnames:  ARCHER, REEVES, SHEPHERD

 

John ARCHER, son of Deacon Benson, was born Nov. 18, 1833, was educated in the common schools and Randolph Academy, and became a teacher.  Jan. 21, 1860, he married Mary J., daughter of Warren H. REEVES, of Onoville, and settled on the farm where Mrs. ARCHER now resides.  He dealt in butter and served as school commissioner of the Second District of Cattaraugus County three years, and was superintendent of Indian schools of the Alleghany and Cattaraugus Indian reservations about seven years, holding the position at the time of his death May 4, 1881.  He was a magistrate four years and in politics, was a staunch Republican, serving frequently in county conventions.  Of his six children five are living: Anson B., of Conewango; Lewis J., of Corydon, Pa.; M. Bertha (Mrs. Herbert H. SHEPHERD), of Fredonia; Roy R.; and Carrie B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

 

Surnames:  ATWOOD, BUCK

 

Joshua C. ATWOOD, son of Joshua and Elsie ATWOOD, was born in Hillsborough, N. Y. July 16, 1838.  In 1840 his parents emigrated to Kiantone, Chautauqua county.  His father was a shoemaker and continued the trade fourteen years. He was also a stone cutter in Boston.  In 1852 he removed to Randolph and located where Joshua C. now lives, and followed both stone cutting and farming.  Mr. ATWOOD died Nov. 14, 1881.  Mrs. ATWOOD died ten years later.

 

Joshua C. ATWOOD learned the stone cutter's trade of father, but was obliged to abandon it on account of weak lungs.  He is now engaged in farming.  He is serving his sixth consecutive year as assessor of Randolph.  July 6, 1859, he married Kate BUCK, of Cold Spring, and has two sons and two daughters.  Mrs. ATWOOD died April 16, 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

 

Surnames:  BARBER, MILES

 

Charles BARBER, son of Oliver, emigrated first to Westfield, N. Y. and thence to Randolph in 1833, marrying the same year Diana MILES, by whom he had nine children.  Mr. BARBER died Jan. 31, 1893.  His widow resides with a son in Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1041

 

Surname:  BENEDICT

 

S. J. BENEDICT was born in Danbury, Conn., May 3, 1838.  He lost his father at the age of nine years and in early youth began to support himself.  He educated himself in the common schools and in Danbury, Conn., and served as an apprentice to the trade of machinist in New Haven, Conn.  In 1857 he came to East Randolph and began the manufacture of steam engines, boilers, and machinery, which he still continues.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

 

Surnames:  BERRAY, GOODRICH, SCUDDER, BLOOD

 

Henry L. BERRAY, son of Seth and Anna (GOODRICH) BERRAY, was born in Walton, NY June 21, 1812.  He is the 13th and only surviving child of 16 children.  He came to Randolph with his parents in 1836 from Victor, NY and settle dwith them on lot 47, where he has since resided.  His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, a brick and stone mason by trade, and died May 14, 1847.  The mother survived until Oct. 8, 1860.  Henry L. married Rumina SCUDDER, Oct. 3, 1837, and has always been a farmer.  He has served as magistrate and assessor.  They had 12 children, of whom 10 grew to maturity.  One son served in the Rebellion.  They celebrated the 50th anniv. of their marriage Oct. 3, 1887.  They have, living, 40 grandchildren and 4 gr-grandchildren.  Their son, James H. BERRAY, was born July 22, 1850.  Oct. 15, 1872, he married Ellen E. BLOOD of Cold Spring, and March 11, 1874, settled in the village of Randolph, where he is extensively engaged in the manufacture of shingles, slack barrel staves, and cider and apple jelly.  He is a Republican in politics and has served as constable.  He has 6 children, and another died in childhood.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

 

Surnames:  BROWN, WOODWORTH

 

William M. BROWN, son of William M., Sr., a native of Connecticut and finally a settler of both South Valley and Cold Spring, dying in the latter town May 3, 1863, was born in Portland, Chautauqua county Dec. 18, 1830.  He early became identified with lumbering enterprises in southwestern New York and subsequently and recently has been quite extensively interested in oil opeations.  When a partnership existing between his brother Norman and himself was dissolved he acquired the sole title to a tract of land in Cold Spring, where he pursued farming and lumbering for several years.  In 1852 he established a mercantile trade there, which he continued 18 months.  Sept. 13, 1855, he married Emeline M., daughter of Madison WOODWORTH, of Cold Spring, and has had 4 children.  Mr. BROWN was elected sheriff of Cattaraugus co. in 1870 and for 6 years was supervisor of Cold Spring.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

 

Surnames:  BURLEY, CASWELL, ABBEY, WILLIAMS

 

Charles W. BURLEY, born in Oswego co. Mar. 20, 1858, removed with his parents to Conn. and in 1878 the family came to Randolph.  With an older brother he purchased of David ABBEY the mills now known as the BURLEY mills, under the firm name BURLEY Bros.  They rebuilt the plant and put in steam-power.  C.W. bought the interest of his brother in Aug. 1890, and now conducts the business alone, and with Frank WILLIAMS of East Randolph, has purchased a tract of 640 acres of timber land.  He also conducts a grocery store.  In May, 1886, he married Cora S., daughter of Alonzo CASWELL; children: Adah and Blanche (twins) and Ona.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1042

 

Surnames:  BURT, HEALY, CARD, PHILLIPS, FENTON

 

Hezekiah O. BURT, son of Nathan and Rebecca (HEALY) BURT, ws born in Conewango, Dec. 2, 1823.  His father settled in Conewango in 1821 and was a farmer there until his death in 1837.  At the age of 24 H.O. began the trade of carpenter and joiner and later he was an expert millwright, and built numerous saw-mills along the Allegheny and its tributaries.  Sept. 10, 1861 he married Mary CARD, who was the mother of his only son, Frank C., a farmer in Conewango.  In 1863, he settled on his farm, a portion of which he purchased when he was 23 years old, and now has 370 acres.  Mrs. BURT died in Nov. 1865.  Jan. 10, 1870, he married Mrs. Minerva PHILLIPS, daughter of John FENTON of South Valley; they had one daughter, Mary, born Dec. 19, 2870.  In 1873 Mr. BURT and his family returned to East Randolph, where he has since resided.  He also deals in oil territory and conducts a store in the oil regions.  He has been president of the Cattaraugus County Agricultural Society two terms and was its vice-president and director.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1043

 

Surnames:  BUTCHER, NEWTON, ELLSWORTH

 

Frederick BUTCHER, senior member of the firm of F. BUTCHER & Son, was born in Ashburton, Devonshire, Eng., in 1835, came to America with his mother in 1851, and learned the trade of clothier of Daniel Hazeltine at Jamestown.  In Feb., 1864, he enlisted in the 112th N. Y. Regt. and was mustered in as a musician in the brigade band of the 4th Brigade, First Division, 24th Army Corps, and was discharged Aug. 14, 1865, in Richmond, Va.  In June, 1877, he bought the wollen-mills at East Randolph of E. Holdridge and has since then been engaged in manufacturing woolen goods with his son Fred D.  Mr. BUTCHER is a good musician and teacher of cornet bands and is the leader of the East Randolph band. In Jan., 1856, he married Almira L. NEWTON.  Children: Fred D., Myrta M. (Mrs. H. J. ELLSWORTH), Leo NEWTON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1043

 

Surnames:  CARPENTER, ADAMS

 

Elroy V. CARPENTER, son of Warren, was born in Lyndon, N. Y., June 3, 1857.  He was educated in Ten Broeck Free Academy and began his business life teaching in the common schools, which he continued eight terms.  In 1884 he became a member of the firm of W. CARPENTER & Sons, proprietors of the Carpenter combination of five cheese factories.  He has charge of factory No. 2 in Randolph.  In company with his brothers Thomas and Samuel he is also engaged in breeding trotting horses.  Oct 6, 1880, he married Arabelle, daughter of Jason ADAMS, of Farmersville.  They have two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1043

 

Surnames:  CARSON, JOHNSON, WOOSTER

 

Robert CARSON, born in Bellefonte, Pa., May 31, 1825, was raised in Akron, Ohio, began his business life as a grocer's clerk at the age of twelve years, and when twenty he traveled and sold gun-powder six ensuing years.  In 1850 he went overland to the gold fields of California, where he remained seventeen years.  In 1870 he came to Cattaraugus county, where for several years he was a merchant in Steamburgh and Red House.  He has resided the past eighteen years in Randolph.  In March, 1850, he married Emma JOHNSON, who was the mother of his son, Robert A. CARSON.  Mrs. CARSON died in California in 1856.  In 1858 he married Catherine E. WOOSTER, of California; children:  Blanche, Paul, a graduate of Dartmouth College, and Phillip.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1043 & 1044

 

Surnames:  CARTER, HOTCHKISS, PERRY, MYRES, STRUNK, McCONNELL, BENTLEY, MACAPES, EVANS, VAN RENSSELAER

 

Thomas CARTER was born in Connecticut in 1797.  In childhood he removed with his parents to Onondaga County, N. Y.  His father was a tanner in Fabius, and about 1840 removed to Randolph, where he died in 1854.  Thomas CARTER learned the trade of tanner of his father, and married, in Amber, Abi HOTCHKISS.  In 1824 he removed to the present site of the village of Cherry Creek and erected a tannery, the second one built in Chautauqua County.  In 1827 he sold his property in Cherry Creek and removed to Napoli Corners, where he purchased the improvements, including a primitive tannery, of Mr. Bennett and was a leading business man in Napoli until 1854.  He enlarged his tannery, which he sold in 1847 to the original builder, Mr. Bennett, and gradually became a farmer.  He was also one of the earliest merchants of the town.  In 1854 he sold his large farm and removed to a farm near Oberlin, and now resides in Riceville, Pa.

 

Ladwick H. CARTER, son of Thomas, was born in Otisco, Onondaga County, Jan 18, 1824, and removed with his parents to Cherry Creek in March following.  Reared in Napoli he spent his youth attending the common school and in grinding bark in his father's tannery, and finished his education at the Fredonia Academy.  In 1854, he removed to Randolph and engaged in mercantile business until 1873, being also an extensive dealer in lumber.  He now gives his attention to his farming interests and also deals in real estate.  May 22, 1848, he married Jane A. PERRY, of Centerville, Pa., who was the mother of all his children : Mary E. (Mrs William C. MYRES), Gertrude A. (Mrs Frank STRUNK), Frank P. (deceased), Jennie J. (Mrs. P. H. McCONNELL), Harriet S. (Mrs. Charles BENTLEY, who died July 16, 1889), Carrie Belle (Mrs. J. Clayton MACAPES), and Kitty Jane (Mrs. Harry C. EVANS).  Mrs. CARTER died April 9, 1887.  March 3, 1890, Mr. CARTER married Ellen, daughter of Henry VAN RENSSELAER, of Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

 

Surnames:  CASWELL, COOK, NEWTON, ARNOLD, BURLEY

 

Joseph CASWELL, born in Henrietta, Monroe County, married there Julia, daughter of John COOK, and there his oldest two children were born.  In March, 1826, he came to Randolph with his family and settled on the farm now occupied by Ogden Scudder within the village corporation.  Shortly afterward he sold his claim and made a permanent settlement on Sample Hill, where he died.  He and his wife were members of the M. E. Church.  Their son Alonzo, born Feb 4, 1822, in Henrietta, came to Randolph at the age of four years and has always resided here.  In Feb., 1856, he married Samantha NEWTON, who died two years later.  March 22, 1859, he married Lapantha S. ARNOLD, of Napoli, who is the mother of his only daughter, Cora S., who married C. W. BURLEY.  Mr. CASWELL served six years as assessor and is a farmer on the Jackson Sample homestead, where the first white child was born in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

 

Surnames:  CHAPMAN, DE LAND

 

Jeremiah W. CHAPMAN, son of Welcome, a pioneer of Conewango, was born about one and a half miles northeast of the village of Conewango, April 22, 1850.  Raised a farmer he was educated in the district school and in Chamberlain Institute, and Sept. 9, 1870, he married Mary DE LAND and settled on a farm in his native town, where he resided until 1877, when he removed to East Randolph.  Children: William D., Nettie O., Grace L., and Herbert L.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

 

Surname:  CHAMPLIN

 

Jesse CHAMPLIN came to Randolph at the age of ten years.  A family sketch appears on page 833.  (See Robert CHAMPLIN family of New Albion and Robert CHAMPLIN, Jr. family of New Albion, pages 833-4).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1044

 

Surnames:  COOK, ARNOLD, SAXTON, NEWTON, KORTRIGHT, GRISWOLD

 

Elisha R. COOK, born in Williamstown, Mass., in 1799, married first, Lydia E. ARNOLD and soon after settled in the west part of Randolph in what is known as the COOK district.  In the spring of 1821 his brother Josiah came on foot from Rochester and located a farm in the neighborhood.  The next spring Elisha R. came on, cleared a small patch, planted it with potatoes, built a log cabin, and returned to Rochester.  In July, 1822, he brought his wife and household goods from Rochester with an ox-team and sled.  Mrs. COOK died in 1824, leaving an infant daughter, now Mrs. Nancy SAXTON.  His father and step-mother joined him soon after and in 1831 he married Mary NEWTON, a native of Vermont.  He was a staunch Democrat and died Nov. 19, 1887.  Mrs COOK died Oct 3, 1881.  Children:  James Henry, who died in infancy; Russel M., born in Dec., 1834, married Phebe KORTRIGHT, and settled where he now resides; and George W., born Oct. 15, 1837, married, June 8, 1859, Sarah, daughter of Hiram GRISWOLD, of Randolph, succeeded his father on the homestead -- children: Nellie E. (who died aged twenty-six), Lottie (Mrs. George TIMMERMAN), Frank A., and Leo.  Mr. COOK is a Democrat, and F. & A. Mason and a member of the A. O. U. W.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1044 & 1045

 

Surnames:  CORNWELL, HULL

 

Miles C. CORNWELL, son of Levinus and grandson of Benjamin CORNWELL, who came from England to America and settled in New England, was born Jan. 12, 1831, in Sardinia, N. Y.  Benjamin CORNWELL was a peddler.  His son Levinus settled in Concord, Erie County, and was a tanner and currier in Springville.  He next located in Sardinia, where he built a grist-mill, which was completely wrecked by sinking into quick-sand.  He finally abandoned milling and returned to his trade of shoemaking, and was also a farmer.  He died in Sardinia about 1879.  Miles C. was first a carriage maker, and soon settled in Springville, where he prosecuted his trade several years.  He was in Hamburg about three years, and in 1876 he came to Randolph and formed a co-partnership with his son, Eugene CORNWELL, under the firm name of C. CORNWELL & Son.  Eugene, his only son, was born in Sardinia, N. Y., Nov. 25, 1854, married Ella C. HULL, in March, 1876, and has two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

 

Surnames:  COWEN, SEAGER, CROWLEY, FENTON

 

Dr. John N. COWEN, son of John M. and Rachel (SEAGER) COWEN, was born in Conewango, Dec. 23, 1854.  Educated in the common school and at Chamberlain Institute, he was a student four years in the University of Michigan and was graduated fro the Dental Department of that institution in 1878 with the degree D. D. S.  He commenced the practice of his profession at East Randolph the next fall and in 1884 he settled in the village of Randolph, where he now resides.  Dr. COWEN has served on the village Board of Trustees and is one of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Randolph.  Oct. 23, 1881, he married Mrs. Emma F. CROWLEY, daughter of John FENTON.  She died July 2, 1886.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

 

Surnames:  COWLES, FORD

 

Sylvester COWLES, D.D., son of Amos and Dolly (FORD) COWLES, was born in Otisco, NY Jan 28, 1804.  He was graduated from Hamilton College with the degree of A.B. in 1828, and was ordained by the Onondaga Presbytery on Sept. 5, 1831, after a theological course in Auburn Theological Seminary.  He at once began an active ministry in Napoli and continued his labors in Cattaraugus Co. about half a centry.  He preached in many of the towns, and organized churches in Randolph, Olean, Portville, and other villages.  His  alma mater, Hamilton College, honored him with the degree of D.D. in 1874.  He was an advocate of temperance and was fond of the natural sciences, especially of geology, of which he gathered a valuable cabinet.  He was 3 times married and died in Randolph about 1890.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

 

Surnames:  COY, TANNER, FENTON, WOODWORTH, HILLER, MARSH, WANAMAKER

 

George COY was born in Vermont April 3, 1799.  Feb. 27, 1823, he married Esther TANNER, a native of Mass., who was born Feb. 12, 1798.  Soon afterward he came to Cortland, NY where he resided 12 years.  In the fall of 1836 he came to Randolph and settled on the farm now owned by George Boyle.  In 1865 he removed to this village, where he died June 19, 1868.  Mrs. COY died Sept. 3, 1873.  Children: Harriet (Mrs. H. N.FENTON), Corinth (Mrs. George WOODWORTH), Mrs. Emily HILLER, Emily M. (Mrs. Hollis MARSH, Rosette (Mrs. J. Z. WANAMAKER), Andrew (deceased), and Frances (deceased).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1045

 

Surnames:  CRAVENS, OAKS, LYONS, ADAMS

 

Orvan B. CRAVENS was born in Crawford County, Pa., May 21,1835.  His father was an expert weaver, and settled on a farm in Randolph, Pa., where he carried on the double occupation of weaver and farmer and was also an auctioneer.  He died aged forty-five.  Orvan B., at the age of twenty-one, bought the homestead.  In Oct., 1862, he enlisted in the 169th Pa. Militia, was discharged in July, 1863, re-enlisted in the 83d Pa. Vols. in March, 1864, and was discharged in July, 1865.  He was in the Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac and participated in many of its battles.  He received a flesh-wound from three buck-shot in his left arm May 8, 1864, which incapacitated him until Aug. 1st.  In the fall of 1865 he went to Petroleum Center and engaged in oil producing.  In 1871 he began dealing in oil property, which business he still continues.  In Oct., 1880, he became a citizen of Randolph, where he still resides.  In Sept., 1859, he married Jane LYON of Lyon's Hollow, Pa.  She died in Jan., 1865, and in Nov., 1867, he married Mrs. Eliza OAKS;  children: Mittee (Mrs. Douglas C. ADAMS), Hattie S., and Orris D.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1045 & 1046

 

Surnames:  CROSS, NILES, GRIFFIN, WAITE, PRICE

 

Isaiah CROSS, born in Grafton, N. H., in 1812, came to Randolph with his parents in 1828 or 1830.  He purchased a home, where his wife now resides, in 1837, where he died June 23, 1885.  Jan. 17, 1838, he married Sally NILES.  She died in Feb., 1876, and was the mother of eleven children.  Aug. 7, 1877, he married Mrs. Mary (GRIFFIN) WAITE, and they had one daughter.

 

Asa B. CROSS, son of Isaiah, was born Feb. 22, 1867, and when 22 went to Nebraska, where he was a farmer and dealer in real estate about two years.  June 5, 1884, he married Verie, daughter of Alfred PRICE, of Randolph, and settled on the farm where they now live.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1046

 

Surnames:  CROWLEY, TODD, JOHNSON

 

The CROWLEY family in Randolph are of New England ancestry.  Walter and Mary (TODD) CROWLEY were born in Attleboro, Mass., came with their parents to Vermont while that state was known as New Hamphire Grants, and settled in Mt. Holly, cleared a farm, and raised four sons and three daughters, all of whom eventually came to Randolph.  Asahel, their son, born in Mt. Holly, Feb. 14, 1809, came to this town in 1831, where he still resides.  The ensuing two winters he taught common schools, being also a lumberman.  In 1833 he engaged in merchandizing.  In 1835 his brother Addison came from Vermont and in 1836 joined him in business with Joseph Stanley.  They conducted a general mercantile trade, erected a large store, and were the largest dealers of the place.  They also dealt extensively in cattle and lumber.  Mr Stanley retired from the firm about four years later, and subsequently their brother Alvin became a partner.  They also manufactured lumber, which they rafted to market down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.  They established a lumber yard at Cincinnati, of which Alvin had charge.  They drove cattle to the eastern markets and were extensive farmers and builders.  Asahel CROWLEY had charge outside while Addison conducted the store.  Asahel CROWLEY married Clarissa M. JOHNSON, of Mt. Holly, in 1836.  She was born May 3, 1815.  Mr. CROWLEY has seconded all the enterprises for promoting the interests of the town: the bank, the Randolph Academy, the Home for Homeless Children, the railroad, and other institutions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1046

 

Surnames:  CROWLEY, SHATTUCK, CASLER, CHAMPLIN, FENTON, SAUNDERS

 

Addison CROWLEY came to Randolph in 1835 from Mt. Holly, Vt., where he was born March 8, 1811.  He taught in the common schools and in 1836 joined in business with his brother Asahel and Joseph Stanley.  Addison was interested in the organization of Randolph Academy and a liberal contributor to its stock.  He was one of the original incorporators of the Bank of Randolph, was its first vice-president, and is now its president.  He also gave his aid and influence to establish the Western New York Home for Homeless and Dependent Children.  Now a staunch Republican he was first a Whig and the first year he was in Randolph he cast the only Whig vote in town.  In 1855 he called the first Republican caucus held in Randolph and was the only one in attendance.  In 1840 he subscribed for Horace Greeley's "Log Cabin" and has had the "New York Tribune" continually since its first issue.  He was supervisor in 1846, 1847, and 1854.  In 1849 he was sheriff of the county and again in 1855.  He was appointed by President Lincoln, postmaster at Randolph and immediately resigned the position when Andrew Jackson assumed the presidency.  He was a trustee and treasurer of Randolph Academy.  Jan. 10, 1839, he married Mary E. SHATTUCK, of Warren, Pa., who was the mother of his daughter Ella M., who married B. G. CASLER, of Randolph.  She was also mother of his son Melvin A., (deceased).  Mrs. CROWLEY died in Nov., 1843, and in May, 1851, he married Arvilla M. CHAMPLIN, of Napoli; of their seven children four are living:  Addie M. (Mrs. Erie W. FENTON), Kate S. (Mrs. Walter B. SAUNDERS), Jerome A., and Libbie E..  Mrs CROWLEY died Oct. 24, 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1046 & 1047

 

Surnames:  CROWLEY, WEED

 

M. Johnson CROWLEY, son of Asahel, was born in Randolph, Aug. 3, 1841.  He attended Randolph Academy and assisted his father as a lumberman, cattle dealer, and farmer.  He began business as a merchant in company with A. Wentworth, Esq., at Little Valley, in the fall of 1860.  In the spring of 1861 they removed the store to Randolph, where Mr. CROWLEY enlisted in the 64th N. Y. Vols. and was mustered in Sept. 17, 1861, as first corporal of Co. B, being discharged Dec. 30, 1861, upon a surgeon's certificate of disability.  He was graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Cleveland, Ohio, in May, 1863, and became his father's partner in the lumber and cattle business, but again enlisted in the same company and regiment Feb 14, 1865, being detailed on special duty in Elmira.  Joining his regiment in April he received a warrant to rank as first sergeant of Co. B from March 1, 1865.  He resumed lumber and cattle dealing with his father and alone until 1875, when he retired from active business.  Aug. 29, 1865, he married M. Addie, daughter of W. F. WEED, of Franklinville.  Their son William A. died Dec 14, 1877.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1047

 

Surname:  CROWLEY

 

Hon. Rufus CROWLEY was born in Rutland County, Vt., July 25, 1800.  He was a captain of militia, a merchant, and member of the Vermont Legislature.  In 1841 he removed to Yorkshire, where he was in the mercantile business with Lorenzo D. Cobb, now of Buffalo, most of the time for seven years.  In 1847 he was elected to the Legislature by the Whigs.  In 1848 he removed to Randolph, where he resided until his death in 1872.  In 1857 he was again elected to the Legislature by the Republicans.  For many years he was secretary of the Board of Trustees of Randolph Academy.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1047

 

Surnames:  DEXTER, SCUDDER, BUXTON, ABBEY, SPAULDING

 

Maj. Osmond N. DEXTER, a native of Connecticut, came from Dexterville, Chautauqua County, to Randolph at an early day and erected a blacksmith and trip-hammer shop on Dry Brook in company with his brothers Edward and Frederick, and manufactured axes, hoes, and forks.  Later he removed to the farm now owned by his sons Marcus M. and Henry B., and there erected a business in blacksmithing and farming.  Later they divided the farm and Major Osmond N. continued the business alone.  He died in Feb., 1872.  Mr. DEXTER was a superior mechanic, an extensive reader, a Democrat, and quite a politician.  He early took an interest in military affairs and rose through all the grades to major, hence his title.  He married Rozilla, daughter of Joel SCUDDER, who died in July, 1881.  Children: Frances M. (Mrs. J. BUXTON), Albert, Isophene (Mrs. Warren ABBEY), Marcus, Henry.

 

Marcus DEXTER was born in Randolph, Feb. 19, 1854, was educated in the common schools, and Jan. 16, 1882; he married Bertha SPAULDING, of Randolph.  He settled on the homestead in company with his brother Henry and is engaged in farming.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1047

 

Surnames:  DIXON, GREEN, DAVIS, WARREN

 

Homer DIXON, youngest son of Daniel, was born in East Randolph, May 12, 1837.  He was a natural mechanic and followed the trade of carpenter.  In 1860 he embarked in the grocery trade, in which he is still engaged.  In Oct., 1867, he married Justina GREEN; children: Mary E. and John Leonard.  Mrs. DIXON died Nov. 3, 1874, and Oct. 12, 1888, he married Mrs. Martha (DAVIS) Warren, daughter of Rev. Austin DAVIS.  Mrs. DIXON was a resident of Washington eighteen years and much of the time a clerk in the Treasury Department.  Miss Mary E. DAVIS is a painter and a portrait artist of more than ordinary ability.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1047 & 1048

 

Surname:  DIXON

 

Andrew J. DIXON, son of Daniel, was born in East Randolph, Feb. 15, 1830.  He, too, is a natural mechanic and began business about 1848 as a carpenter and joiner, which has been his life work.  Many of the finest residences in East Randolph are monuments to his skill as an architect and builder.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1048 - 1050

 

Surnames:  DOW, NUTTING, MASON, JOHNSON

 

Albert Gallatin DOW was born in Plainfield, Cheshire County, N. H., Aug. 16, 1808, and was the eighth of the ten children born to Solomon and Phebe DOW.  The family soon removed to Hartland, Vt., and from there in 1816 to Pembroke, Genessee County, N. Y.  Here his boyhood days were spent, his experience in no wise differing from that common to pioneer life.  Educational advantages were few, the labor required was severe and exhausting the fare was plain and the clothing scanty, but these external disadvantages and discomforts and privations laid the sure foundations of industry, economy, and self-reliance upon which the superstruction of a successful life has been built.  The common school in the log house and three months' attendance at a private school afforded the only training received by him outside the home circle during the ten years spent by him in Pembroke.  His father died Nov. 9, 1822, and soon thereafter, in his fifteenth year, he began the battle of life upon his own account and commenced the business career which has continued uninterruptedly for seventy years.  After leaving Pembroke he resided in Batavia, Genessee County, one year, and thence removed to Panama in Chautauqua County, where he remained about six months.  In 1827 he removed to Silver Creek, which he made his home for about nineteen years.  In 1845 he removed to Randolph, where he has since resided continuously for period of forty-seven years.  In Jan., 1840, then in his thirty-second year, he entered the hardware business, having George S. FARNHAM as a co-partner.  This partnership continued about a year and on its dissolution, Mr. DOW conducted a hardware store at Sinclairville about a year and a half.  In the fall of 1842 he resumed the same business at Silver Creek in co-partnership with Horation N. FARNHAM and this continued until his removal to Randolph in 1845.  In 1843 he opened a dry goods store at Randolph, his nephew, James NUTTING, being associated with him.  This store they conducted as co-partners until 1851.  Upon his removal to Randolph in 1845 he opened a hardware store in that village.  He continued in this business until 1863, associating his son Warren as a co-partner in 1860.  In 1860 he established a private banking business, which, after his retirement from the hardware trade, occupied his entire attention until 1880, when it was discontinued.  In October, 1875, his son Charles M. became a partner in the banking business, which from that time until discontinuance was conducted under the firm named of A. G. DOW & Son . In 1881 he organized the Salamanca National Bank at Salamanca, being its principal stockholder and first president, holding that office until his resignation in April, 1890.  Since that time he has continued as director of this institution, but has not been otherwise actively engaged in business except to supervise and guard his investments.  Such is the brief history of an unusually long and remarkably successful business career.  A fine fortune has been accumulated from the slow gains of legitimate business.  There has been no sudden rise followed by an equally quick collapse.  A steady growth in prosperity has been the result of close application, unremitting industry, sure judgment, and undoubted integrity.  Pre-eminently a careful and prudent man, Mr. DOW has always shown a broadmindedness and generosity of disposition which have won the respect and admiration of those who know him best.

 

Mr. DOW has found opportunity in the midst of engrossing business cares to interest himself in public affairs and to discharge faithfully and well the duties of various public offices.  In his political affiliations he was a Democrat until the war of the Rebellion sundered his party ties.  Since 1861 he has found his convictions best represented in the principles of the Republican party, and for upwards of thirty years he has been an active and unswerving member of that organization.  He was early elected to local office at Silver Creek and commencing in 1848 he was for eight years a justice of the peace at Randolph.  He has served as supervisor of the town ten years and in 1863 and 1864 served in the Legislature as member of Assembly from the Second District of Cattaraugus County.  In 1873 he was elected State Senator in the Thirty-second District, composed of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties, and served as such on term (1874-75).  In all of these positions he displayed the good sense, broad judgment, and faithful devotion to duty which characterized him in private affairs.  In 1850 Mr. DOW joined his neighbors in organizing Randolph Academy, which, continuing under that name until 1866, was then changed to Chamberlain Institute, and has been for upwards of forty years a great power in the intellectual and moral development of western New York.  He was one of the original trustees of this school and has held that office uninterruptedly to the present time.  He has taken an active part in religious work.  In Silver Creek he united with the Presbyterian Church.  Upon removing to Randolph he joined the Congregational Church of that village, has never dissolved his relation therewith, and has served it in various official capacities.  Oct. 4, 1829, shortly after completing his twenty-first year, Mr. DOW married Freelove, daughter of Wheaton MASON, of Batavia.  To them were born five children: James, born July 1, 1830 (deceased); Warren, born Jan. 15, 1833; Sarah, born Jan. 22, 1837 (deceased); Mary (Mrs. James G. JOHNSON), born Jun 12, 1842; Albert G., Jr., born April 17, 1844.  Mrs DOW died Aug. 21, 1847, and April 23, 1850, Mr. DOW married her sister Lydia A.  This union continued upwards of forty years and afforded a home life of rare happiness.  Mrs DOW possessed a strong and winning personality, which gave her great influence over her surroundings.  At once tender and forceful, unassuming, and yet full of courage and resources, she gave herself without stint to the service and happiness of others.  To remarkable executive faculty she joined the happy power of stimulating other to action.  Kind by natural impulse, her unostentatious charities were regulated by such good sense they never demoralized the recipients.  Interested in all good works, she exerted a strong influence for truth and right living, and her gracious memory will never depart from the hearts of those who knew her.  Her sad and untimely death, June 11, 1891, was occasioned by an accident at a railway crossing near her home in the village of Randolph.  To this marriage was given one son, Charles M., who was born Aug. 1, 1853, and upon arriving at majority engaged in banking with his father.  He organized the Jamestown National Bank in 1888 and has been the president of that institution from its beginning.

 

A plain and temperate mode of living has brought Mr. DOW the reward of long life and his eighty-sixth year finds him in good physical health accompanied by unabated mental vigor.  He is quietly enjoying the prosperity won by long years of industry, sagacity, and integrity.  Throughout his long life he has been plain, unassuming, actuated by honorable motives, sincere in all his dealings, a strong friend, a kind neighbor, and an upright citizen.  He has been pre-eminently a just man.  Starting in life with no advantages except such as flow from health and inherent integrity, his indomitable purpose to accomplish the tasks set before him what he values more – the respect of the community in which he lives and the friendship of all classes.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Albert Gallatin DOW

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1050

 

Surnames:  DOW, GATES

 

Amos DOW, born in Hartland, Vt., May 22, 1811, came to Pembroke, N. Y., with his parents in 1816, where his father died in 1822 and his mother in 1826.  After the age of twelve he supported himself and thus early learned self-reliance.  At the age of eighteen he opened a shoe shop at Silver Creek.  In 1838 he was proprietor of a tannery and shoe shop combined.  In 1846, having previously sold his tannery, he changed to mercantile business.  He served in Silver Creek as commissioner of schools and about five years as justice of the peace.  From 1855 for eighteen years he was a merchant in East Randolph.  In 1872, he purchased the private bank of Thomas Chamberlain, which he continued until the fall of 1891.  In 1863 he represented Randolph on the Board of Supervisors.  In his long and extensive dealing with men his established reputation for sterling integrity is beyond a doubt.  In politics he is a staunch Republican and is liberal in his religious sentiments.  In 1827 he married Eliza A. GATES, by whom he had five children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1050

 

Surnames:  DOXSTADER, VEEDER

 

Abraham V. DOXSTADER was born in Johnstown, N. Y., came to this town in Nov., 1836, and cleared a farm of 260 acres.  He has been a man of push and perseverance and has contributed liberally to church, educational, and charitable objects.  In the retirement of old age he enjoys in his present home in Randolph Village the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends.  He married Ann VEEDER, who died Nov. 25, 1881.  Children: Sarah C., Margaret, Alida, George A., and Loraine (deceased).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1050 & 1051

 

Surnames:  EDDY, WINSLOW, BERRY, SHELDON, LAKE, PHILLIPS, WALKUP

 

The EDDY family in America is of English origin and descended from two brothers who came from England in 1630 and settled in Rhode Island.  The race in the United States are distinguished as preachers of the gospel.  Walton Almy EDDY, son of Job and Fanny (WINSLOW) EDDY, was born in Middlefield, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1821.  Job EDDY, son of Zephaniah, was born in Rhode Island, Dec. 6, 1780, and moved with his family to Otsego County in 1794.  He married, in Otsego County, Fanny WINSLOW, June 3, 1810, who was born Feb. 17, 1789.  He was a farmer and in the fall of 1825 moved to Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County, where he was a pioneer.  He died Feb. 6, 1866.  His first wife was the mother of his six children, who are all living except the oldest, Barton EDDY.  Mrs. EDDY died Feb. 10, 1836.  Walton A. EDDY became a carriage maker.  March 15, 1843, he married Sarah M., daughter of Thomas BERRY, of Cherry Creek.  In August following he settled in Waukegan, Ill., where he opened a shop and prosecuted his trade about four years.  He settled in Randolph in 1858, where he has since resided.  Mr. EDDY has been a carriage manufacturer and inventor and patentee of several parts for carriages.  He devoted his time for seven years to manufacturing a patent carriage seat, his own invention.  About 1870. with his son, F. J. EDDY, he built a side-wheel steamboat and launched it on the Allegheny at Cold Spring, christening it the" W. A. EDDY".  They ran the steamer down the river, jumped the eight-foot dam at Corydon, Pa., and landed it at Ironton, Ohio, where they sold it.  In 1874 he built another, "The Randolph", sixty feet long, in company with C. C. SHELDON (his son-in-law) and his son, and sold it in Louisville, Ky.  The same season E. C. Topliff and Chauncey Harding built a similar steamer, "The Cattaraugus", which they sold on the Ohio River in West Virginia.  Mr. EDDY is now serving his third term as overseer of the poor.  Children: James D., born in Illinois, died in infancy; Evaline, born in Illinois, Dec. 28, 1845, married George LAKE; Clara, born Jan. 24, 1849, at Cherry Creek, married Edward L. PHILLIPS (deceased); Fanny and job (twins), born Nov 1, 1851, at Cherry Creek -- Fanny married Charles C. SHELDON and Job married Ella WALKUP; and Janette B., born in Randolph, Oct. 31, 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1051 - 1053

 

Surnames:  EDWARDS, BAKER

 

Hon. James T. EDWARDS, D.D., LL..D.,* was born in Barnegat, Ocean county, N. J., Jan. 6, 1838.  His parents were influential, well-to-do people, and among his large connection are many names of men whose influence has been felt as a power in moulding the character of society and the church.  James EDWARDS, his great-grandfather, fought with Washington at the time of Braddock's defeat and during the whole of the Revolutionary war, in which he was severely wounded.  His parents were Job and Susanna EDWARDS.  The former was known as an eloquent local preacher and twice served as a member of the State Legislature.  The latter was a woman of unusual force of character and in her earlier years was a teacher.  She made sacrifices to give her son a liberal education and always warmly sympathized with his aims.  Dr. EDWARDS prepared for college at Pennington Seminary in New Jersey and graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., in 1860.  After graduation he filled the chair of natural science in Amenia Seminary in Dutchess County, N. Y.  Having served one year in this institution he took charge of the same department in East Greenwich Academy in Rhode Island.  The study of law had many attractions for him, and he decided to make that his profession.  Arrangements were made for him to enter the office of Hon. William L. Dayton, of Trenton, N. J., but Mr. Dayton was shortly afterward sent as minister to the court of France.  The professor's plans were thus frustrated, and before any new arrangement was made he found the work of teaching so congenial that the idea of practicing law was permanently abandoned.  His favorite departments of instruction were the sciences and belles-lettres, and to this work he devoted himself with an unfailing enthusiasm which was contagious and inspiring.  Besides training his classes in the lecture-room he was constantly delivering addresses before institutes and teachers' associations throughout the State.  For a long time he was a member of the Executive Committee of the State Teachers' Association and at the time of his leaving Rhode Island was its president.  He married, in 1862, Miss Emma A. BAKER, daughter of Rev. Charles BAKER, who by her varied accomplishments and unfailing interest in his studies and work has been to him a "helpmeet" indeed.  They have three daughters: Grace, Laura, and Florence; the first named is the wife of S. Winsor BAKER, of Jamestown, N. Y.

 

In the fall of 1862 Professor EDWARDS enlisted as a private in the 1st R. I. Vols., but immediately received from Governor Sprague a commission as second Lieutenant, and was soon after elected first lieutenant of a company composed of members of the Young Men's Christian Association of Providence.  Afterward he was made adjutant of the parole camp near Alexandria, Va.  While in this position he rendered valuable service by his humane treatment of the paroled prisoners, who, when he entered upon his duties were shamefully neglected.  Upon leaving the army he was elected principal of the seminary at East Greenwich.  For more than sixty years this school had done excellent work in educating the youth of Rhode Island and other States, but a burdensome debt of $22,000 had for a long time hung over it to the great annoyance of its friends.  Through Professor EDWARDS' earnest efforts the entire debt was lifted by subscription.  In addition to his duties as principal of the seminary he was elected and served as State senator when he was twenty six years old, being the youngest member of that body.  During this session he distinguished himself as a ready debater in and exciting discussion upon the military record and expenditures of the State during the war of the Rebellion.  He was elected to the Senate the second time and also chosen presidential elector on the ticket which elected General Grant for his first term, and stumped the State in his support.  Professor EDWARDS took and active part in the discussion of the fifteenth amendment, which was carried in the Senate, but defeated in the House, at this session.  He was elected the third time to the Senate and made chairman of the Committee on Education.  During this session the temperance question was pressed to the front and legislators were compelled to give it attention, whether in sympathy with the cause of not.  The professor was an earnest advocate of a prohibitory bill which was triumphantly carried in the Senate, but failed to become a law because of its defeat in the House.  He also took an active part in the establishment of the first Normal school in the State.  During this session he made a speech upon the "just limitations of the pardoning power" which attracted general attention and exercised a marked influence in effecting a wholesome reform in the use of that prerogative by the governor of Rhode Island.

 

In 1870 Professor EDWARDS moved to this State to take charge of Chamberlain Institute at Randolph.  In 1872, its brick boarding hall, erected at a cost of $50,000, was destroyed by fire, being insured for only $10,000.  Through the exertions of Professor EDWARDS and the liberality of its friends it was rebuilt by subscription in less than a year, and stands in its beautiful proportions, free from debt.  In 1876 Allegheny College at Meadville, Pa., conferred the degree of D.D. upon the professor and in 1890 he was made Doctor of Laws.  He continued at the head of Chamberlain Institute for the long period of twenty-two years, resigning in 1892.  During this time 6,000 students were in attendance; 450 graduated from its several departments; and more than 500 certificates were received from the Regents of the State University.  There was an average attendance for sixty-three terms of 167 students whose average age for the whole time was seventeen and one-tenth years.  Probably there is not a town in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties which does not contain representatives from this old school.  Its patronage during the administration of Dr. EDWARDS was drawn from quite an extended area, often embracing several States.  In the educational gatherings of this section Dr. EDWARDS has long been a familiar figure, often lecturing, dedicating school buildings, and engaging in kindred work.  As a minister he has preached frequently, being especially called upon for anniversaries, church dedications and funerals.  He has been twice elected delegate to the "General Conference," the lawmaking body of the M. E. Church, and three times reserve delegate.

 

Dr. EDWARDS is an ardent lover of the natural sciences and has endeavored to make these studies of practical value in this region by discussing, at agricultural fairs, farmers' institutes, and conventions, their principles as applied to agriculture.  He built the first silo in southwestern New York and showed the wholesomeness and utility of ensilage.  He is the author of numerous published addresses and of two volumes entitled respectively "The Grass Family" and "The Silva of Chautauqua Lake."  Dr. EDWARDS has been identified with the great Chautauqua movement from its beginning, for most of the time in the three-fold capacity of trustee, professor, and lecturer.  For nine years he has had charge of the department of physics and chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts.  In the fall of 1891, he was nominated by "certificate" as senator from the Thirty-second District, in accordance with a law passed in 1890 permitting a nomination of senator on the presentation to the secretary of State of the certified names under oath of 500 voters desiring such nomination.  Seven hundred and fifty names were forwarded and the nomination was endorsed by a People's convention which met in Jamestown and by the regular Democratic Convention held the same day.  He was elected by over 1,000 majority.  As chairman of the Committee on Education during the last session he was influential in passing three important bills which bear his name, viz., : The "University Bill,: covering all the higher education in the State; the "Library Bill," which appropriates $55,000, annually to school and township free libraries; and the "School Commissioner Bill", which allows women to vote for school commissioners.  Dr. EDWARDS is a many-sided man and the people instinctively regard him as their man.  It can not be said that he is a politician.  Positions have sought him.  He has been called to places of trust by the people because they judged him fitted by intelligence, a broad statesmanship, purity of life, executive abilities, and eloquence as a public speaker to represent them as a lawmaker.  He has always taken an active part in public affairs and held the theory that every citizen who enjoys the blessings of a free government should be willing to bear his share of its responsibilities.  He is an attractive, scholarly speaker, with an agreeable voice well balanced by a graceful delivery, and always receives a hearty welcome whenever he appears in the pulpit or upon the platform.  Senator EDWARDS, in addition to his duties as legislator, holds the position of extension secretary of the Chautauqua system of education. *

 

1.* By Dr. Theodore L. FLOOD, editor of the "Chautauqua".

 

2. * Dr. EDWARDS, since the sketch was written, has been appointed president of the McDonough School for Boys at Baltimore, Md., founded in 1875 by John McDonough, who left $1,000,000 to educate poor boys.  The professor took charge of this institution in August, 1893, and makes his home there.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of James T. EDWARDS

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1053

 

Surnames:  ELLSWORTH, JENKS, BUTCHER

 

Herbert J. ELLSWORTH, son of Stiles B. and Victoria (JENKS) ELLSWORTH, born in Conewango, June 23, 1865, received his education in Chamberlain Institute, and commenced business as a salesman in his father's store.  A Democrat in politics he was elected town clerk of Conewango when he cast his first vote and was postmaster there in 1887, at the age of twenty-two.  May 11, 1891, he bagan business in East Randolph in the sale of groceries and crockery.  Jan. 10, 1888, he married Myrta, daughter of F. BUTCHER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1053

 

Surnames:  EWING, MORFORD, WILLIAMS

 

Samuel EWING was born in New Jersey in 1788.  He served an apprenticeship at coach making and married Margaret MORFORD.  He removed to Rochester as early as 1816 and later resided in Victor several years.  About 1830 he came to Randolph and settled on the east line of the town where Joseph Macapes now lives.  He was first an old line Whig and later a Democrat, and was an active politician.  He was supervisor, assessor, highway commissioner, and town superintendent of schools and served two years as county superintendent of schools.  He also served as justice of the peace and assessor in Ontario County.  He practiced land surveying in Cattaraugus County.  Mrs. EWING died in Jan., 1881, and Mr. EWING in Jan., 1885.  His son Joel was born March 31, 1830, married a daughter of George WILLIAMS, and is also a land surveyor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1053 & 1054

 

Surnames:  FISHER, NUTTING

 

Simeon FISHER, born in Wardsboro, Vt. in 1793, came to Randolph in the fall of 1839 and engaged in the manufacture of chairs, being the first in that line in Randolph.  He continued till his death in 1854.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and several years a magistrate and town clerk.  His oldest child, Lucy Celinda, born in 1817, married Orton NUTTING in 1839

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

 

Surnames:  FOSKIT, CROSS

 

Davis B. FOSKIT, born in Madison county, N. Y., Feb. 22, 1808, removed with his parents to Homer, N. Y., and in the fall of 1827 came to Randolph, where he was a farmer and a lumberman.  About 1834 he married Sally CROSS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

 

Surnames:  FOY, GOODSPEED

 

Dallas FOY, son of David, was born in Poland, N. Y., July 29, 1844.  Educated in the common schools and Randolph Academy he was reared a farmer, and Aug. 21,1864, he enlisted in Co., G, 13th N. Y. H. A.  Joining his regiment near Portsmouth, Va., he did garrison duty until the close of the war, and was discharged June 22, 1865.  Feb. 15, 1882, he married Rose S., daughter of Ansell GOODSPEED, and settled on a farm in Randolph.  They have a son and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

 

Surnames:  FRENCH, SWEENEY, MERRILL

 

Horace H. FRENCH, son of Harrison and Almira (SWEENEY) FRENCH, was born in Russell, Pa., May 16, 1835.  His father was bon in Hopkinton, N. H., and came to Chautauqua, N. Y.  His mother was born in Massachusetts.  He began business as a merchant and lumberman in East Randolph and engaged in the latter occupation at Cold Spring in 1859.  He enlisted in Co. F, 64th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 20, 1861, and was promoted sergeant.  He was disabled by illness and served as a recruiting officer with headquarters at his home in East Randolph.  He participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, where a shell bruised his shoulder.  At Gettysburg he lost his right arm by a wound from a mini-ball, which caused its amputation, and was in the hospital about eight months, being discharged Jan. 28, 1864.  He was orderly-sergeant when he was wounded and after his discharge was commissioned (brevet) second lieutenant by Gov. R. E. Fenton.  Upon his return in February he was elected collector and constable of Randolph and has served six years as deputy sheriff of Cattaraugus county.  He has been an extensive operator in oil.  March 28, 1860, he married Mary S., daughter of Archibald C. MERRILL, of East Randolph.  They had an only daughter, Mabel V., who died March 9, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1054

 

Surnames:  GILES, JENKS, EDWARDS, GATES, INGRAHAM

 

Ephraim F. GILES was born in Pawlet, Vt., May 18, 1813.  He married Maria JENKS, of Schroon, Essex county, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1843.  March 27, 1843, he came to Randolph and was "the village blacksmith" thirty-one years.  Since then he has not pursued any regular avocation.  Mr. GILES has a remarkably retentive memory and is especially prominent for originality and eccentricity.  He is an independent thinker.  During his forty-eight years' residence here, he has visited Jamestown only twice, East Randolph, one and a half miles away, but four times, has never been in Steamburgh, has never seen the Allegheny river, and has never rode on any of the railroads in Cattaraugus County.  In his younger days he had the reputation of being a first-class wag, and was never known to be outdone in stories of the Baron Munchausen kind.  He has been the author of half a dozen such books that have never been printed.  On one of his four visits to East Randolph he purchased a broom of E. McManus, agreeing to pay for it the next time he came to his store.  He did not visit that village for years and not until Mr. McManus had left it.  Now at nearly four-score years he is an oracle on the events which have transpired in Randolph since he came here.  His mind is clear and his health is good.  Mrs. GILES died Dec. 8, 1859.  Children:  Lydia M. (Mrs. C. S. EDWARDS), of Syracuse; James M.; Delia, widow of Adelbert GATES, who died of disabilities incurred in the Civil War; Agnes (Mrs. W. F. INGRAHAM), of Jamestown; and Walter F., a popular salesman in Randolph

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1055

 

Surnames:  GOODSPEED, CRAWFORD, RICE, WAIT

 

Ansell GOODSPEED was born in Warsaw, N. Y., April 9, 1828.  His father, Oliver GOODSPEED, was a farmer.  At nineteen years of age Ansell was an apprentice to the trade of tanner and currier.  In 1851 he married Phebe CRAWFORD, of Java, N. Y., who was the mother of a son and a daughter.  In 1856 he removed to Napoli, where he was a farmer three years.  He then removed to East Randolph and resumed his trade as a currier.  In 1878 he bought a small farm in Randolph (Mud Creek District), where he has since been a farmer.  He served Napoli as assessor.  Mrs. GOODSPEED died March 24, 1880.  Oct. 30, 1883, he married Mrs. Cordelia (RICE) WAIT.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1055

 

Surnames:  GORSLINE, SEELEY, HALLENBACK, DAWSON

 

Gilbert O. GORSLINE, born in New Haven, Vt., in 1810, removed at the age of nine years to Salt Point (now Syracuse), N. Y., and resided with an older brother about a year, when the latter died.  He was apprenticed to the trades of tanner and currier and shoemaker and in 1829 came to Randolph and purchased the Latham tannery (the first erected in town), where he carried on all his trades until about 1836.  He was then a lumberman in Napoli (now Cold Spring) about three years and ran his lumber down the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers to Cincinnati.  He started the first raft from the bridge over the Little Conewango at Randolph village.  In 1839, he became a farmer in the Cook neighborhood in Randolph.  He subsequently sold that and settled on the farm his son Wallace now occupies.  Mr. GORSLINE has been highway commissioner, assessor, school commissioner, and constable.  Feb. 1, 1829, he married Adaline R., daughter of William SEELEY, of Batavia, N. Y.  Children: William Wallace, born Feb. 18, 1836; and Gilbert O., Jr., born July 3, 1839.  Colonel McCunn, was drill-sergeant of the post at Elmira, went to the front with the 35th N. Y. Inf., and after the first battle of Bull Run was on the staff of General Wadsworth as bugle major.  He was transferred to the staff of General Patrick and also served on the staffs of Generals Pope, McDowell, King, and Hooker, and was discharged at the close of the war.  He is now a farmer.  Sept. 6, 1868, he married Marguerette HALLENBACK, who was the mother of all his children – three sons and one daughter.  She died May 6, 1883.  May 4, 1886, he married Mrs. Eva DAWSON, of Cattaraugus.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1055 & 1056

 

Surnames:  HALL, PARMALEE, RATHBONE, CHAMBERLAIN

 

Philemon HALL, born in Guilford, Conn., about 1772, was a cook in the Revolutionary War.  He married, in his native town, Mary PARMALEE and a year or two later removed with an ox-team and sled to Bloomfield, N. Y. and located on his father's claim of 150 acres given to him for service in the Revolutionary War.  He was there a farmer and later a hotel keeper in Bloomfield village, where he was burned out.  In 1820, he settled in the southwest corner of Napoli.  In 1822, he built a saw-mill on the location now occupied by the grist-mill of Enoch Holdridge.  About 1824, he built a grist-mill on the same dam and near the saw-mill.  He brought the few irons from Bloomfield and the mill-stones were wrought from a pebble rock in Great Valley.  Mr. HALL carried on quite a business.  He died in 1857 and was succeeded by his sons, Joel, Horace, Amos, and Erastus, of whom only Erastus, an octogenarian, is living.  He was born in Bloomfield, N. Y., May 24, 1809 and is a natural mechanic.  As a millwright he has built numerous mills in western New York and in Canada.  He invented and patented a shingle-mill, and is now the senior member of the firm of E. HALL & Co..  In sept., 1827, he married Emeline RATHBONE, who has been his helpful companion sixty-four years.  Children: Lyman, Milo, Henry, Philander (a soldier in the Civil War), and Mary (deceased, who married Jefferson, a nephew of Judge CHAMBERLAIN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1056

 

Surnames:  HALL, JONES, HOLDRIDGE

 

Amos A. HALL, son of Horace and grandson of Philemon HALL, was born in Napoli, May 24, 1837, one of twelve children.  Sept. 4, 1860, he married Frances JONES.  In Aug., 1862, with three brothers, he enlisted in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav.  Oct, 1, 1863, he received a severe wound from a mini-ball in his right knee joint and amputation of his leg was necessary.  He was transferred to the general hospital at Central Park, where he remained until he was discharged Aug. 23, 1864.  In 1865, Hon. Enoch HOLDRIDGE, postmaster of East Randolph, resigned in favor of Mr. HALL, who held the position until displaced by Grover Cleveland.  During this service he became a jeweler and afterward conducted a jewelry store sixteen years.  His wife and son Lewis C. succeeded him.  He died April 4, 1888.  Children:  Fred A., of the firm of HALL & WATERS, harness makers in East Randolph, Lewis C., Cora L., George W., and Charles P. HALL Brothers (Lewis C. and George W.) are clothing dealers.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1056

 

Surnames:  HAMMOND, BENNETT, HANSON

 

John HAMMOND, son of Jared and Hannah (BENNETT) HAMMOND, was born in Ridgebury, Pa., Nov. 17, 1832.  His father, a native of Connecticut, was a farmer.  His mother was born in Pennsylvania.  John was raised a farmer and enlisted in Co. G, 171st Pa. Vols., in Oct., 1862.  He joined his regiment at Suffolk, Va., and was discharged as corporal Aug. 8, 1863.  In June, 1864, he settled permanently in Randolph, where he has since been a druggist, tinsmith, and manufacturer and dealer in the Willard & HAMMOND Champion milk-pan.  Since discontinuing the latter business he has been engaged in producing oil in McKean County, Pa.  May 5, 1880, he married Harriet HANSON of Gloversville, N. Y.; they have one son, Rex.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1056 & 1057

 

Surnames:  HELMS, JEFFORDS

 

Albert HELMS, a native of Otsego County and the oldest of thirteen children, was born June 13, 1796.  At the age of sixteen he was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was present at the battle of Sacket's Harbor.  He married Asenath, sister of Freedom JEFFORDS.  In 1826 he came from Rush, N. Y., to East Randolph, where he resided until his death Feb. 28, 1889.  When he settled here he purchased a tract of wild land and at once began to convert the pine trees into lumber.  He was also for years a merchant and a manufacturer of potash and pearlash.  Late in life he was a farmer.  Mr. HELMS had three children by each of his three wives:  Mortimer A., Emily A., Romina L., Asenath M., Eunice R., Mary A., Adelbert H., Cordelia, and Gaylord.  Adelbert H. HELMS was born in East Randolph, where he now lives, Nov. 22, 1842.  In 1864, he enlisted in Co. G, 9th N. Y. Cav., and served to the close of the war.  He is a carriage and ornamental painter, grainer, and sign writer.  Recently he has done some fine landscape painting.  He is a trustee of the village, to which position he was elected in 1888, and is the secretary of the Board of Water Commissioners.  May 1, 1865, he married Eliza J., daughter of Chauncey C. HELMS.  They have one son, Clair A., born July 6, 1877.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1057

 

Surnames:  HINES, WHEELER, TERRY

 

T. Frank HINES, born in Evans, N. Y., Dec 3, 1844, early learned the tinsmith's trade, and served in the Union Army three months.  He followed his trade as a journeyman eighteen years.  In 1880, he opened a general hardware store in East Randolph, which he continued a year and a half, when he sold and came to Randolph.  In 1885, he bought the tin shop of his employer, George Mason, and a year later purchased the general hardware store of B. G. Casler, which he conducted alone until Sept., 1888.  He then formed a partnership with C. W. TERRY under the firm name of TERRY & HINES.  In May, 1890, he purchased the interest of Mr. TERRY.  In Feb., 1874, he married Ida WHEELER, and had three children. Mrs. HINES died Sept. 25, 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1057

 

Surname:  HELMS

 

Chauncey C. HELMS and his brother, Christopher C. HELMS, came from Monroe County, N. Y., to East Randolph and built a saw-mill and grist-mill.  They contracted for several hundred acres of wild land and also had a pearl and pot ashery in operation before 1830.  Christopher C. died in 1830 and Chauncy C. conducted the business alone.  In 1832, he built another dam farther down and put a double saw-mill.  He was a leading merchant and was supervisor of Randolph in 1834 and 1835.  He died in Nov., 1866.  Byron and Christopher C. HELMS, sons of Christopher C., early became lumbermen and Byron was a competent river pilot.  Later they were manufacturers and dealers in lumber and were partners in lumbering and farming, which they conducted twenty-two years.  Byron HELMS is now proprietor of the Commercial House.  Christopher C. is a farmer, liveryman, and owns the Brooklyn House.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1057

 

Surnames:  HOBART, DOUD, STANLEY, MIGHELLS

 

The HOBART family in America is of English origin and descended from Edmund HOBART, who landed at Charlestown, Mass., in 1633.  Abel Bradford HOBART, of the eighth generation from England, and a son of William, was born in Potter, N. Y., Feb. 6, 1798.  He married in East Bloomfield, Feb. 6, 1822, Marana, daughter of Thaddeus and Elizabeth (DOUD) STANLEY.  She was born in Goshen, Conn., July2, 1796, and died in Randolph, May 3, 1872.  Soon after his marriage he removed to Phelps, N. Y., where he carried on the business of tanning leather about five years.  He moved thence to Napoli, where he resided twenty years.  He lived in Carroll, N. Y. three years and in Randolph Twenty-two years.  Here he was a deacon of the Congregational Church fifteen years, when he resigned.  For many years he was employed as colporteur in the distribution of Bibles.  He died at Le Roy, N. Y., while on a visit, Sept 6, 1871.  Children: Homer Harrowby, Elizabeth H. (widow of Florentine F. MIGHELLS), Harlton S., Ellen E., Helen Wooster, Huldah M., Harlo D. S., and Howland Bancroft.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1057 & 1058

 

Surnames:  HOLDRIDGE, ROBINSON, MAYBEE, WOODWORTH

 

Hon. Enoch HOLDRIDGE, eldest son of Rev. PRICE and Lydia (ROBINSON) HOLDRIDGE, was born in Nelson, N. Y., Aug. 29, 1818.  His father, a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, settled in Napoli in 1832.  He traveled hundreds of miles through forests, storms, and sunshine.  Enoch came to East Randolph in 1838, and worked for Capt. Amos HALL one year at $12 per month, and continued with him about fifteen years, transacting a large amount of business along the Allegheny, Ohio, and Mississippi Rivers.  He has been engaged on his own account in lumbering, farming, and merchandizing, and now owns with his son Ernest D. the "upper grist-mill" in East Randolph, located on the site of the first grist-mill of the place erected by Philemon HALL in 1824.  Mr. HOLDRIDGE also has a half-interest in the Randolph Mills in East Randolph Village.  He married Sarah, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary MAYBEE.  She is the mother of his three children: Josie, born Feb. 22, 1846, wife of Rev. W. W. WOODWORTH; Gertrude, born April 26, 1849, died Dec. 27, 1852; and Ernest D., born May 20, 1856.  The latter was educated in Chamberlain Institute, engaged in teaching, and began the study of law, but was obliged to abandon it on account of ill-health.  Enoch HOLDRIDGE was first a Whig and joined the Republican Party at its organization.  He has received many political honors.  He has served the town of Conewango as justice of the peace twenty-one years, supervisor eight years, and in 1872 was member of Assembly.  In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of East Randolph, and voluntarily resigned in 1865 in favor of the veteran soldier, A. A. Hall, who lost a leg in battle.  He has served as a trustee of Randolph Academy and at the organization of Chamberlain Institute was elected trustee, which position he still holds.  He has been an efficient, honorable, and upright man and officer.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

 

Surnames:  HUBBARD, THURSTON, McCULLOUGH

 

George HUBBARD, son of William C. and grandson of Dr. H. H. HUBBARD, of Springville, N. Y., was born in Randolph, May 6, 1854.  His mother was Adaliza, daughter of Daniel THURSTON, one of the pioneers of Randolph.  Nov 5, 1879, he married Isabel L., daughter of Orris McCULLOUGH, of Evans, N. Y., and settled on a farm.  He also manufactures and deals in lumber and wood.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

 

Surnames:  HUBBELL, HUXLEY, MERCHANT

 

Spencer E. HUBBELL, son of Eli and Mary (HUXLEY) HUBBELL, was born on the HUBBELL homestead Nov. 7, 1844.  His father was a pioneer of Conewango.  In the spring of 1863, he removed with his parents to Randolph and was a student in Chamberlain Institute until he was graduated in 1867.  He began business as a merchant in Randolph Village, but abandoned it about 1870 on account of failing health.  In 1867 he married Maryette E., daughter of Abel MERCHANT, one of the first pioneers of Napoli.  When he left his store in Randolph, he purchased the MERCHANT homestead of his father-in-law, and added to it fifty-five acres, making a farm of 220 acres, which he still owns.  He removed to it and remained there until Dec., 1888, when he purchased a stock of general merchandise of Adams & Co. in East Randolph, where he is now a merchant.  Mr. HUBBELL was secretary and treasurer of the Axeville cheese factory six years and treasurer and salesman of Spring Valley Factory six years.  He served Napoli as supervisor in 1887 and 1888, and held several minor town offices.  In politics he is a staunch Republican.  He is a member of the M. E. Church, superintendent of the Sunday School at Napoli, and is now a steward and trustee of the Church of East Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

 

Surnames:  HUGHES, HINDMAN, DAVIS

 

William B. HUGHES, son of Isaac B. and Sarah (HINDMAN) HUGHES, was born in Jefferson County, Pa., Dec. 11, 1847.  His father was a farmer.  He learned harness making, and manufactured and dealt in harnesses, horse furnishing goods, etc., until the fall of 1890.  He enlisted in the Union Army in 1864 and was discharged at the close of his term of enlistment.  He has always been a Republican and an active worker in that party.  He was prominent in East Randolph, where he resided twenty years, and was elected one of the Board of Trustees, when the village was incorporated.  In the Republican County convention held in Sept., 1891, he was the nominee for sheriff and was elected by a majority of 1,450 votes.  Feb. 22, 1872, he married Sarah DAVIS, of Mansfield, daughter of Robert DAVIS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1058

 

Surname:  HURD, PARSONS

 

Jonathan C. HURD, born in Bridport, Vt., March 24, 1824, received a good English education, and began business as a clerk in a general store.  In 1845, he came to East Randolph, where he has since resided.  He purchased a tract of pine timbered land and engaged in lumbering four years.  In 1847, he was elected constable, which kept him employed until 1853.  In 1853, he opened the first drug store in East Randolph with his brother-in-law, Dr. A. B. PARSONS, and has been a druggist most of the time since.  Mr. HURD was originally an old line Whig and joined the Republican party at its organization.  He was deputy sheriff eight years.  From 1870 till 1877, he was in the dry goods trade in East Randolph, and thence removed the business to Sawyer City, Pa., where he still continues a general store.  He has also bought largely of farmers' live stock, and produce.  In 1871, he was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Randolph, and has been most of the time one of its directors.  He is a member of the Congregational Church of his village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1059

 

Surnames:  INGERSOLL, SMITH, CHRISTIE

 

Hon. Erastus S. INGERSOLL, son of Peter and Lois M. (SMITH) INGERSOLL, was born in Ellington, N. Y., on the 24th of April, 1837.  He obtained his education in the common schools and in Ellington Academy and taught district schools from 1856 till 1860.  He began merchandizing at Cattaraugus in 1860 and continued until 1865; since then he has been a merchant in Randolph, and since 1880 has had a branch store at Kennedy, N. Y.  He has always been a Republican and has several times represented his district as a delegate at State conventions.  He has served seven years as supervisor of Randolph, was trustee of the Chamberlain Institute twenty years and three years president of it Board of Trustees, and chairman of a committee to erect a building in place of the one burned in 1872.  He was the chairman of a committee to erect the buildings for the Western New York Home and has since been one of its trustees; he has been several times president and trustee of the village of Randolph.  Mr. INGERSOLL was elected to the Assembly of the State Legislature in 1886 and served on the Committees on Claims, Indian Affairs, and Joint Library.  He was re-nominated for the position by acclamation and elected by a plurality of 756 votes.  He was placed on the Committee of Ways and Means, was chairman of the Committee of Roads and Bridges, and a member of the Committees on Public Health and Joint Library.  Aug. 22, 1860, he married Lizzie J., daughter of N. CHRISTIE, Esq., of Cattaraugus.  Children: N. Christie, born May 9, 1868, and Ralph E., born July 19, 1877.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1059

 

Surnames:  JEFFERDS, HELMS, BENTLEY, ARNOLD, KIRKPATRICK, PACKARD, FOY

 

Liberty JEFFERDS, son of Matthew and Salla (HELMS) JEFFERDS, was born in Rush, N. Y., April 18, 1813.  His father died in 1819 and his mother removed to East Randolph during his boyhood.  He married, first, a daughter of Robert HELMS, who was the mother of his son Lucian, a lumberman in Sheffield, Pa.  His second wife was a daughter of Eldred BENTLEY, of Chautauqua County.  Mr. JEFFERDS settled in East Randolph and was there engaged many years in manufacturing and dealing in pine lumber and hand-made pine shingles, which he rafted down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.  Later he was a farmer and lumberman in Randolph and Cold Spring about twenty years.  He now resides with his son, Lyman JEFFERDS, in Tyrone, Pa.  Mrs. JEFFERDS died Nov. 30, 1887.  Children: Cordelia (Mrs. Joseph ARNOLD); Freedom L., born in Randolph, Dec. 23, 1838; Marcus, of Pennsylvania; Delilah (Mrs. Charles KIRKPATRICK); Lyman; and Lydia (Mrs. Marion PICKARD).  Freedom L. JEFFERDS was raised a farmer and lumberman.  Sept. 13, 1863, he married Clarinda, daughter of Samuel FOY, an early settler of Napoli.  Mr. JEFFERDS now owns and conducts the JEFFERDS steam mills near the east line of this town, where he manufactures annually from two to three million feet of lumber.  He also conducts a farm of fifty acres.

 

Freedom JEFFERDS was a native of Monroe County, N. Y., and one of a large family of children.  His father was a prominent man in that county, being familiarly known as Judge JEFFERDS.  Freedom JEFFERDS, one of the younger sons, married, in 1848, Lurancy D. WILLARD, of Attica. N. Y., and soon after settled in East Randolph, where Mr. JEFFERDS was engaged in the mercantile business in company with Horace H. HOLT, the firm name being HOLT & JEFFERDS.  In 1848, having been in partnership with Mr. HOLT since 1840, Mr. JEFFERDS sold his interest in the store to Merrick NUTTING and soon moved onto a tract of timber land in Cold Spring, where the village of Steamburgh now stands.  Large mills were at once erected.  Lumbering was followed as a business for a number of years and the land upon which he had settled in a few years developed into a splendid farm, where he resided until his death.  Mr. JEFFERDS followed this line more or less during the remainder of his life, farming being looked upon by him as an unremunerative "side issue".  The lumber, as fast as sawed, was drawn to the Allegheny river and there rafted and run to Cincinnati for market.  Freedom JEFFERDS was one of the most prominent men in the town of Cold Spring and well known throughout the county; he was an ardent Democrat and never neglected an opportunity to further the interests of his party, though he was in no sense a politician; he was active in educational interests; measures for the material improvement of the town always met with his hearty approval, and if financial aid was needed in the furtherance of any project his name was always found at the top of the subscription list.  He gave lands upon which to build a hotel and stores in Steamburgh and subscribed liberally toward the erection of suitable buildings.  He was one of the original stockholders in the Randolph Academy and Female Seminary, and freely gave a right of way across his farm to the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company and materially aided that corporation in the building of their line.  J. C. Calhoun, the auditor of the Railroad Company, was a close friend of Mr. JEFFORDS and a frequent guest at his home.  During the war he was an enthusiastic supporter of the Union cause and was largely instrumental in causing resolutions to be passed authorizing money to be raised for volunteers and to provide means for the support of their families; the action of the town authorized bounties of from $150 to $600 per man.  Mr. JEFFERDS represented the town of Cold Spring on the Board of Supervisors in 1856, 1857, 1860, and 1863.  He was a charter member of the Conewango Lodge, No. 340, I. O. O. F., instituted at east Randolph in 1850.  In the latter years of his life he was agent for the Devereux Land Company and disposed of large quantities of land held by that company in Cold Spring and surrounding towns.  He was a man of many friends, of imperturbable good nature, and a practical joke was one of his chief enjoyments.  His old-time friends, to this day, relate many a lively story of his pranks and side-splitting escapades.  He was charitable to a fault and many a poor family has cause to bless the liberal heart and hand of Freedom JEFFERDS.  He was not a church member, though he contributed liberally to the church, and was never known to use an oath.  He succeeded in obtaining a competency and had about concluded to retire from actual business, but while yet full of plans for the future welfare of his family, and the consideration for his own comfort, he was stricken with an incurable disease, and, suffering much pain, he passed away in the prime of his manhood, leaving a widow and four children surviving him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1060

 

Surnames:  JEFFERDS, WILLARD, HARDING

 

Owel M. JEFFERDS, son of Freedom and Lurancy D. (WILLARD) JEFFERDS, was born in Steamburgh, Feb. 20, 1854, received his education in Chamberlain Institute, and commenced business as a druggist in East Randolph, where he was engaged five years.  He was teller of the State Bank of Randolph five years until Sept., 1887.  He was railway postal clerk from Hornellsville to New York from Sept., 1888, until May 1, 1890, when he resigned to accept the position of editor of the "Courant" at Randolph.  In Aug., 1877, he married Emma J. HARDING, of East Randolph; children: Lamont A. and Wynne I.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1060 & 1061

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, STONE, WILLOUGHBY

 

Marcus Hamilton JOHNSON, son of James G. and Sophia (STONE) JOHNSON and brother of Hon. James. G. JOHNSON, was born in Olean, Oct. 21, 1809, and is credited with being the first white male child born within the limits of the city of Olean.  Through his long business career he was a merchant in Ellicottville and Randolph.  He was supervisor of Randolph in 1847, and appointed treasurer of Cattaraugus Co. by the Board of Supervisors in 1841 and again in 1842, was elected to the Assembly in the fall of 1843 and reelected in 1847, and was appointed in 1855 United States Indian agent for the State of  New York and held the office four years.  Feb. 12, 1833, he married Sophronia WILLOUGHBY and has had one son, James G., an attorney in Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1061

 

Surnames:  JOHNSON, RICH, WHEELER

 

Bela R. JOHNSON, son of Gile and Millie (RICH) JOHNSON, was born in Dayton, N. Y., Jan. 11, 1843, was educated in the common schools supplemented with a few terms in the academies, and in 1873 located in East Randolph and opened a general hardware store, which he still continues.  He is a staunch Republican and has served Conewango as supervisor two terms, justice of the peace four years, and for over ten years has beena trustee of Champerlain Institute. He is a member of the M. E. Church, its recording secretary, trustee, and class-leader, and has served as superintendent of the Sunday school a long time. Dec. 30, 1868, he married Bettie WHEELER. They have two sons.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1061

 

Surnames:  JONES, SEABURY, SHELDON, GREENE, CLAPP

 

Harvey L JONES, son of Abner P. and Lydia (SEABURY) JONES, was born in Poland, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1832.  His father was a native of Vermont and a carpenter and joiner by trade.  His mother was born in Rhode Island.  Abner P. removed with his family to Cold Spring in 1835, where Harvey L. spent his youth attending the common schools and learning the blacksmith's trade.  At the age of  eighteen he became a pilot on the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, which business he continued for more than twenty-five years.  He was also a mason.  About 1846 he came to Randolph.  In 1854 he was elected constable and continued in office until 1861.  He was appointed deputy sheriff in 1857 and served about two years.  At the first call for troops he enlisted in Co. B, 64th Regt. after the battle of Fredericksburg until he was discharged Jan. 11, 1863.   He escaped with two slight wounds, one received at Fair Oaks, the other at Antietam.  He served as constable, policeman, deputy sheriff under Sheriff Welch, and deputy U. S. Marshal.  In Feb., 1859, he married Cordelia, daughter of Mason SHELDON, who was born in Clear Creek, Chautauqua County.  Their children were Addie L. (Mrs. Horace L. GREENE), Genevieve S. (Mrs. Charles W. CLAPP), Howard H., Ida G., and one deceased.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1061

 

Surname:  KEECH, CASE, NICKERSON, DIX, MAROLE

 

Nathan KEECH, a native of Otsego County, removed with his parents to Augusta, Oneida County, when he was seven years old, where he married Matilda CASE.  He removed with his bride to Randolph about 1828 and first settled on what is now known as the NICKERSON farm.  He was quite a dealer in real estate, and frequently sold his improvements.  After about three years he returned to Augusta and remained there until 1861, when he returned and bought a farm on the south line of Conewango, now known as the DIX farm.  He sold this to his son, Esau P. KEECH, and removed to an improved farm on the Jamestown road and finally to the place now owned by his son Esau P., in Randolph, where he died about 1874.  He had ten children, six of whom attained maturity.  Esau P. KEECH, born in Augusta, N. Y., in 1835, married Mary Emogene MAROLE in 1859.  Previous to this he spent three years in gold mines in California.  In 1861 he settled on a farm in Conewango and in 1863 became a farmer in Canada.  Returning about 1868 to Conewango he settled in 1882 where he now lives.  He has been an indomitable worker and has chopped hundreds of cords of fire-wood.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1062

 

Surname:  LARKIN

 

Frederick LARKIN, M. D., son of Edmund, was born in Thompson, Conn., Feb. 12, 1814.  His father was a skillful physician and surgeon in Thompson.  The son was educated in the common schools and studied medicine with his father, but mechanical work being more congenial he abandoned the medical profession and learned the watchmaker's trade.  He opened a jewelry store which he conducted about twenty-five years.  He came from Chautauqua County to Randolph in 1841.  Since coming to Randolph he has been an extensive dealer in real estate and quite a manufacturer and shipper of lumber.  Fifteen buildings in the village erected directly or indirectly by him are standing witnesses of his industry and energy.  He is a man of fine scientific attainments and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  He filled the chair of professor of physiology in the Randolph Eclectic Medical College, which was afterward merged into the New York Central Eclectic Medical College at Syracuse, which institution conferred upon him the honorary degree of M.D.  The doctor is an able and eloquent lecturer on scientific subjects and possesses a special liking for physiology and archaeology.  He wields an able and racy pen and has written numerous logical articles on science and several on religious questions.  He is not considered "orthodox" by the clergy.  He is versatile and lucid, and has a happy manner in communicating information to others.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Frederick LARKIN

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1062

 

Surnames:  LARKIN, HOVEY

 

Frederick LARKIN, Jr., was born in Randolph, Dec. 25, 1858.  He attended the public schools and Chamberlain Institute and was an apprentice at the watchmaker's trade with his father.  In 1879, he opened a jewelry store.  As a memento of his handicraft he has made from the crude material a watch, constructing all its parts with such tools as are found in an ordinary jeweler's shop.  June 2, 1887, he married Kittie M. HOVEY, of East Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1062 & 1063

 

Surnames:  LEACH, WOODWORTH, SCUDDER

 

Enfield LEACH was born in Genessee County, Sept. 12, 1816.  In 1822 he came with his parents to Randolph.  In the fall of 1836 he taught school in the "red school house" near Joel SCUDDER's tavern and was next engaged in the Livingston county two and a half years.  Since returning to Randolph he has led an active business life.  He has been a merchant and an extensive dealer in lumber with partners and alone most of the time since the fall of 1839.  In the fall of 1842, he married Mary A., daughter of Zebedee WOODWORTH.

 

John E. LEACH, son of Enfield and Mary A. (WOODWORTH) LEACH, was born in Randolph, Sept. 15, 1849, received his education at Randolph Academy, and commenced business as a clerk at the age of fifteen.  He was superintendent of Indian schools for the Allegany and Cattaraugus reservations in 1883, 1884, and 1885.  In the spring of 1886, he was appointed inspector of post offices, which position he held until the fall of 1889.  In Dec., 1875, he received the appointment of kitchen keeper at Sing Sing prison from Capt. R. R. Crowley, inspector of State prisons, and served until Feb. 22, 1877.  In the spring of 1868, he was special agent of the Erie canal with headquarters at Tonawanda, and served one year.  He was early town clerk of Randolph several years.  In Aug., 1890, he succeeded his father as a general merchant.  April 26, 1870, he married Ida, daughter of Buel SCUDDER, of Randolph.  Children: Charles B., born March 2, 1871 and John B., born June 14, 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1063

 

Surnames:  LEE, WALLACE

 

William LEE, of Scotch-Irish origin, and son of Col. Edward LEE of the British Army, was born in New Bliss, Ireland, in 1824.  He came to America when quite young and began an extensive business as a railroad contractor, early developing great ability as a manager of laboring men.  He so organized his men that none excelled him in pushing work to rapid completion.  He was a bold contractor and after successfully completing several large railroad jobs he was appointed superintendent of construction of the Atlantic & Great Western railroad.  He had resided in Sidney, Ohio, fifteen years and removed thence to Randolph in 1866.  He owned a controlling interest in the town of Leetonia, which was named in his honor.  Mr. Lee, during his residence of six years in Randolph, endeared himself to the people, and was distinguished for his great energy and force of character and for his social qualities and kind hospitality.  He died Feb. 9, 1872.  He married Anna WALLACE, in Perrysburg, Ohio, June 2, 1856.  They have two sons and two daughters: Edward Wallace LEE, a prominent physician in Omaha, Neb.; James B. LEE, a member of the Ogalalla Cattle Company, who resides at Ross, Wyoming; Elva LEE, a student in Bryn-Mawr Female College; and Ellie LEE, who died in infancy.  Mrs. LEE, having decided to make Randolph her future home, erected a palatial residence and is interested in all the improvements of the village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1063

 

Surname:  LYMAN, JOHNSON, WHITCOMB, FOSTER, HUNTINGTON

 

Deacon Alvin LYMAN, son of Jabez and Lois (JOHNSON) LYMAN, was born in Royalton, Vt., Oct. 20, 1809.  Feb. 12, 1832, he married Eleanor, daughter of Amos and Lydia (WHITCOMB) HUNTINGTON, of Bethel. Vt., who was born Jan. 7, 1813, and settled on a farm in Bethel.  In 1835, they removed to Napoli.  About 1841, they settled in East Randolph, where Mr. LYMAN had built a good residence.  In the fall of 1868, they removed to a farm within the limits of Randolph village now owned by their son, Capt. J. H. LYMAN, and now reside on Jamestown street.  Mr. LYMAN was a millwright and farmer and followed both avocations.  Both were members of the Freewill Baptist Church of East Randolph, of which he was a deacon twelve or thirteen years.  He also served this town as justice of the peace and assessor and was a highway commissioner in Napoli.  Four of their seven children died in childhood; those living are Joel H., Mary E., and Helen A.  J. H. LYMAN, born in Randolph, May 11, 1845, enlisted in Aug., 1861, in the 9th N. Y. Cav., and served with the Army of the Potomac and with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley.  At the battle of Port Republic he was shot through his right leg by a musket ball.  He was mustered out as quarter master-sergeant in Nov., 1864, and was then ordered to Florida to join his regiment.  He was made adjutant-general on Gen. J. G. FOSTER's staff in Sept., 1866, and served in that capacity and commanded his company until 1870, and resigned as captain in 1871.  Since then he has resided in Elmira, N. Y., and in Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1064

 

Surnames:  MACAPES, DOW, TURNER

 

Major MACAPES was born about 1798 and came to Randolph about 1825, locating within the limits of the village on land now owned by A.G. DOW and his son Charles.  He reared two sons and two daughters and died on the homestead in May, 1883.  Mrs. MACAPES died in Feb. 1883.  Their oldest child, Emily, the wife of James TURNER, is the only one of the family who resides in Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1064

 

Surnames:  MARSH, KING, SHELDON

 

Harry MARSH, a native of Oblong, Conn., born May 29, 1787, removed with his parents to Bristol, NY in his childhood.  He served in the War of 1812, and married, July 13, 1814, Louisa KING.  They settled in Randolph in 1829 on Sample hill.  About 1859 he retired to Randolph village where he died July 26, 1875.  Mrs. MARSH survived until Jan. 14, 1887.  Mr. MARSH was a deason of the Congregational church from its organization until old age, and being a strong advocate of temperance he raised the first frame building in town without the used of intoxicating liquor.  Of his eleven children ten grew to maturity and seven are still living.  The youngest son, Albert MARSH, was born in Randolph, Feb. 15, 1831, and followed farming until Aug. 1861, when he enlisted in Co. B. 64th NY Vols. and served until May 12, 1864, when, at the battle of the Wilderness, after capturing the flag of the 44th Va. Regt., he received a wound in his back and a severe shell-wound in his right leg, which made amputation necessary at the thigh.  For this he was promoted second lieutenant.  He has been collector a number of years and postmaster about three years.  He and his sister, Delia A. MARSH, have a home in Randolph village.  Lieutenant MARSH was voted the best soldier of his company and received the prize of $100 therefor as pledged by Alexander SHELDON.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1064

 

Surnames:  MARSH, WADSWORTH

 

George MARSH, oldest son of Deacon Harry, was born in East Bloomfield, NY July 30, 1817.  In Jan., 1829 he came to Randolph with his parents.  At the age of 22 he began business as a lumberman in Cold Spring (now Elko).  He was a lumberman for thirty years and in 1862 added a feed-mill to his saw-mill.  In 1870 he removed to Kansas, where he was engaged in farming seven years.  Since then he has resided in Randolph.  He was first an Abolitionist and at one election he cast the only vote of his party in town.  He has been a Republican since the organization of that party.  Aug. 25, 1840, he married Almira WADSWORTH, or Cortland, NY.  They have had eleven children.  Their oldest son, Duane W., enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., July 24, 1862, was taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, confined on Belle Island, transferred to the rebel hospital on account of illness, and was paroled and sent to the Union hospital at Annapolis, where he died Aug. 23, 1863.  George, their youngest son, resides in Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1064 & 1065

 

Surnames:  MARSH, SCUDDER, BUSH, COY

 

Hollis MARSH, son of Hollis and Polly (SCUDDER) MARSH, was born in Kiantone, NY Aug. 30, 1837.  This branch of the MARSH family is of Welsh origin and is descended from three brothers, one of whom settled in Maine, one in NH, and the other, the great-grandfather of Hollis, second, in Vermont.  His grandfather, Joseph MARSH, came from Vermont and settled at the “forks”, the confluence of the Little Conewango with Conewango creek, about 1830.  He was a farmer.  Some time in the forties he removed to Michigan, where he died.  His son Hollis married Polly SCUDDER, taught school, and later engaged in merchandizsing in Randolph in company with A. G. BUSH.  He died of pneumonia in May 1837.  Hollis MARSH, his son, born after his father’s death, was reared a farmer, and in Oct., 1861 enlisted in Co. E, 9th N. Y. Cav.  At Washington he was ill with pneumonia, was sent to the hospital, and was discharged an invalid.  Dec. 15, 1858, he married Ellen M. COY of Randolph.  The last ten years he has been secretary and superintendent of Randolph Cemetery.  They have a son and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1065

 

Surname:  MARSH

 

Otis MARSH, son of Hiram H., was born in Sinclairville, NY Nov. 25, 1838.  His father, a miller, went to California by the overland route at the time of the gold excitement and died there.  Otis enlisted in Co. C, 9th NY Cav., in Sept. 1861, and served to the close of the war, re-enlisting as a veteran in the  same company and regiment.  He has three children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1065

 

Surnames:  McINTYRE, SMITH, HUNTLEY, TUBBS, PIKE

 

Aaron D. McINTYRE was born in Villenova, July 10, 1836.  His mother, Sophronia SMITH, who married Justin McINTYRE, is yet living, and her mother, now 96, is a pensioner of the War of 1812.  Aaron D. learned the tanner’s trade at Silver Creek and settled in East Randolph about 1865, where he was employed in the tannery.  In 1874 he came to Randolph village, where he still resides, and where he is now a beekeeper.  Sept. 4, 1862, he married Addie PIKE: children; Ida S. (Mrs. Jacob HUNTLEY), George, and Nellie O (Mrs. Charles TUBBS).  Mrs. McINTYRE died Nov. 8, 1888.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1065

 

Surnames:  McMANUS, HOPKINS, MAIN, PINGREY

 

Edwin McMANUS was born in Hanove,r NY, March 29, 1825.  His father, Joseph McMANUS was a farmer.  His grandfather, Christopher McMANUS, served in the war for our independence and his father served in the War of 1812.  His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish descent.  Edwin McMANUS was a school teacher for two years and then entered the general store of George HOPKINS of Villenova, as a clerk.  Two years later he was sent by Mr. HOPKINS to Cherry Creek to take charge of a branch store, which he conducted about two years.   In 1865, in company with his brother-in-law, Sidney U. MAIN, of Batavia, he came to Randolph from East Randolph and opened a drug store.  In 1880 Mr. MAIN retired form the firm and was succeeded by Edwin P. McMANUS, the firm name being E. McMANUS & Son.  This ceased in 1882 by the death of the junior member.  Since then Mr. McManus has conducted the business alone.  At the organization of the Episcopal church he was elected its treasurer and one of its wardens, which positions he has since held.  He aided in establishing the present system of water works and was influential in erecting the Union School building.  First and old line Whig he has been a Republican since the organizaiton of the party.  He has served three consecutive terms as a justice of the peace and was the trial justice of the town.  He married Sophoronia PINGREY; children: Edwin P. and Cora Belle.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1065 & 1066

 

Surnames:  MERRILL, BENEDICT, HAZELTINE, GOODWIN, BENSON, De LAP, WASHBURN

 

Isaac MERRILL, born in Connecticut, April 14, 1879, came from Westmoreland, NY in 1821 and settled on lot 54 in Cold Spring, where he resided until approaching old age.  He died Oct. 18, 1858.  He married Rebecca BENEDICT Jan 31, 1804.  She was born in connecticut, Mar. 11, 1781.  Children:  Isaac NEWTON, b. Sept. 3, 1807; Joseph M., b. June 9, 1809; Lucyette, b. June 15, 1811; Archibald Crosswell, b. Dec. 3, 1812; Albert Nelson, b. Dec. 15, 1814; James Henry, Aug. 22, 1817; and Burr Squires and Mary Squires (twins) b. Jan 25, 1819.  Archibald Croswell MERRILL came to Cattaraugus Co. with his parents.  At the age of 13 he was apprenticed to Daniel HAZELTINE, of Jamestown, to the clothier’s trade.  He supplemented his common school educaiton with a few terms at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania.  In 1837 he married Emily C. Goodwin, of Jamestown.  In 1838 he came to E. Randolph and in 1841 removed to Concord, Ohio, and established business as a cloth-dresser and wool-carder.  Eight years later he returned to E. Randolph, where he was a merchant, farmer, postmaster, and assessor many years.  He was a member of the M.E. church from 1831 and all of the time officiated as class-leader.  He was also a steward and atrustee, and for 25 years was a trustee of Chamberlain Institiute.  He died in E. Randolph, July 19, 1885.  His widow survives and resides with her son Marcus F. MERRILL.  Children: Mary S., Marcus F., Lucyette (Mrs. Van M. BENSON, deceased); and Clara C.  Marcus Fenton MERRILL was b. in E. Randolph, July 7, 1840, was educated in the common schools, and Randolph Academy, and enlisted in Co. E, 9th NY Cav., Oct. 7, 1861, being discharged Oct. 27, 1864.  He was engaged with his father as a clothier until the spring of 1866, when he went to Chicago, where he was a dealer in flour and feed, and express messenger, and a carpenter and joiner.  He married there, in 1868, Mrs. Mary M. (De LAP) WASHBURN.  In 1870 he returned to Randolph, where, with his father, he was a furniture dealer and undertaker.  He continues as the successor of the firm and is now postmaster of E. Randolph.  He is a prominent member of the M.E. church, a trustee, steward and class-leader.  As a soldier he was commissary of his company.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1066

 

Surnames:  MIGHELLS, DOPKINS, BURLEY, HOBART, HOWE, MORSE, ABBEY, DEWEY

 

Florentine F MIGHELLS, a descendant from a Norwegian family was born in Lima, N. Y. in 1806.  He married, at Lancaster, Nov. 3, 1830, Sophronia D. DOPKINS, who was born at Hoosick, NY Oct 5, 1809.  Soon afterward he settled in Burford, Canada West, where five of his children were born, and where he was proprietor of a flouring-mill and saw-mill.  Between 1838 and 1840 he removed to Ellery, NY where he was a farmer until about 1845, when he located in Randolph village and engaged in general merchandise trade.  He also owned a tract of timber land comprising the whole of lot 35 and a part of lot 36, containing 525 acres, and built the first saw-mill in “Bowenville” the one now owned by Charles W. BURLEY.  He spent over four years in California and when he returned he settled on this property where his widow and youngest son now reside, and where he conducted quite a large lumber business.  He was a member of the M.E. church and one of its stewards.  Mrs. MEGHELLS died in Randolph, March 6, 1851, being the mother of 10 children.  Dec. 28, 1859 he married Mrs. Elizabeth H. (HOBART) HOWE, who survives him;  children: Sophronia (Mrs. MORSE, Ellen (Mrs. ABBEY), Eldora (Mrs. Nelson DEWEY) and Elliot C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1066

 

Surnames:  MIGHELLS, WATERS

 

Florentine C. MIGHELLS, son of Florentine F. was born in Ellery, NY, Jan 1, 1842.  He early became a lumberman and farmer.  He enlisted in the 64th NY Vols, Aug. 17, 1861, and at the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, he received a gun-shot wound in his right ankle.  He was in the hospital from Sept. 17, 1862, until April 21, 1863.  Nov. 15, 1865, he married Rhoda A. WATERS, of Conewango, and settled on 100 acres given him by his father.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1066

 

Surnames:  MOORE, HOTCHKISS, HENNINGER

 

Wesley MOORE, son of Frederick, was born in Kiantone, Chautauqua county in 1837, and removed with his father to South Valley at the age of seven where he resided until 1867.  In the fall of 1866 he married Abigail HOTCHKISS, of South Valley, and the next spring removed to his present location and began the manufacture of lumber, becoming possessor of the entire property in 1873.  He is engaged in manufacturing butter and breeding Jersey cows.  Mr. MOORE resides in Jamestown and has resigned his farm affairs to his only son, Eugene, who married Sylvia HENNINGER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1066

 

Surnames:  MOORE, ARMSTRONG, PIPER

 

Patrick L. MOORE was born in Jamestown N. Y. in 1853.  In 1868 he was an apprentice at the blacksmith’s trade with Andrew ARMSTRONG in Randolph.  About 1875 he opened a shop for himself in Randolph and a few years later added a wagon shop, being now in partnership with Henry PIPER.  Mr. MOORE has been an extensive trader and dealer in horses and early studied their physiology.  In 1887 he took a course in the Veterinary College of New York city.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1067

 

Surnames:  MORTON, MONROE

 

Louis L. MORTON, son of Stutley, was born in Poland, N. Y. Aug 7, 1842, and Dec. 5, 1861, enlisted in Co. B, 12th NY Vols.  He was disabled by rheumatism and discharged Jan. 2, 1863.  Feb. 8, 1869, he married Adda M. MONROE and in 1873 settled where he now resides in E. Randolph, where he manufactures shingles, staves, etc.  Children:  Robert L. and Harry J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1067

 

Surnames:  MYERS, CHAFFEE, CARTER

 

Chauncey MYERS, son of Frederick, was born in Smithfield, N. Y. Jan 6, 1814.  His grandfather, a native of Germany, emigrated to New Jersey, where the father of Chauncey was born.  In 1842 Chauncey MYERS settled in Connewango and was there a farmer and lumberman about 25 years.  He served 4 years as poormaster, and was first a Democrat, then a Free Soil Democrat, and a Republican when that party was organized.  About 1867 he removed to Randolph, where he also engaged in farming.  About 1873 he sold his farm to his son and retired from active business.  In 1838 he married Melissa CHAFFEE, of Smithfield, who was born on an adjoining farm in the same month and year and attended the same school.  They had five children of whom William C. is the only one who lived to adult age.  Mrs. MYERS died Jan. 8, 1883.  William C. MYERS was born in Conewango, Aug. 2, 1845, and finished his education at Randolph Academy.  He began business as a farmer and continued that avocation until 1889, when he became a furniture dealer and undertaker.  In Nov., 1889, he took a full course in the United States College of Embalming of New York city, from which he was graduated.  Sept. 20, 1870, he married Mary E., daughter of L.H. CARTER, of Randolph and has three sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1067

 

Surnames:  OSTROM, FARNHAM, SEARLE, NUTTING, HURD, LONG

 

Isaac L. OSTROM, born in Saratoga, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1794, early learned the carpenter’s trade, and at the age of 21 went to Forestville, Chautauqua Co. where he married Dorcas FARNHAM, Dec. 13, 1821.  She was born in New Hampshire, Oct. 30, 1799.  In 1839 they removed to Villenova and about 1848 settled in E. Randolph, where he died Nov. 4, 1870.  Mrs. OSTROM died. Feb. 23, 1864.  Mr. OSTROM was a competent mechanic and jobber and builder.  Many buildings now standing in the locations where he resided are examples of his skill and industry.  He was one of the charter members of Elm Creek Lodge, F. & A. M., now Randolph Lodge, No 359.  He was a member of the M.E. church and served as class-leader and steward.  Children: Irvin F., born Dec. 21, 1822, died in California; Jane, born Sept. 3, 1824 (Mrs. T. H. SEARLE) of Villenova, NY; William, born Oct. 15, 1826, died in California; Aurelia, born April 17, 1830, widow of Solomon D. NUTTING; Thomas L., born Feb. 1, 1837; and Rush H., born Aug. 1, 1839, served in the 37th NY Vols and was discharged for disability.  Thomas L. OSTROM was educated in Chamberlain Institute, began business as a clerk at the age of 18 with J. C. HURD, enlisted in Co. D, 14th N. Y. Inf., May 17, 1861, was promoted second lieutenant, and was discharged May 22, 1863, at Utica.  In 1875 he and his nephew, W. E. SEARLE, organized the firm of OSTROM and SEARLE in E. Randolph, for the sale of general merchandise, which continued until 1887.  May 7, 1861, he married Helen M., daughter of Dr. Aaron LOONG of Long’s Corners, now Corfu, NY.  They have an only daughter, Bertha, born in May, 1863.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1067 & 1068

 

Surnames:  PALMER, RHODES, SAMPLE, MERRITT, HOWE

 

The PALMER family in America is descended from Walter and Abraham PALMER, brothers, who landed in Charlestown, Mass in 1629.  Warren PALMER is the 7th generation and is descended from Walter.  He was born in Columbus, Chenango county, Aug 26, 1806.  He married Eliza RHODES, a native of Rhode Island, Sept. 27, 1827, and followed the trade of mason in his native town until 1841, when he was a farmer in Gerry, N. Y.  Three or four years later he was a merchant in Ellington.  In 1849 he settled permanently in the west part of Randolph on the farm where his son, Guernsey PALMER, now resides.  He was a prominent business man and quite an extensive dealer in wool.  He died in Jan 1886.  Children: William, born in 1828; Polly, born in 1833, married Freeman E. SAMPLE in 1853; Charles, born in 1835; Emily, born in 1837, married D.L. MERRITT; Maria, born 1841, married A. D. SAMPLE; and Guernsey, born Jan 5, 1844.  The latter attended the academies at Ellington and Randolph, and Oct. 17, 1876, married Etta J. daughter of R. S. HOWE, a native of Gowanda.  They settled on the homestead, where he has always been a farmer.  Children:  Ray H. and Ralph H.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1068

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, CROWLEY, GREENE, WOODRUFF, JONES, MAY, PINGREY, CHAMPLIN

 

Zebediah PIERCE, born in Brattleboro, Vt, Nov. 3, 1795, came in Nov. 1835 to Randolph, and in 1836 settled in the village on Jamestown street, where his son John C. now resides.  He was a carpenter and joiner and his first job was in assisting in finishing the joiner work of the old Scudder House, which is still occupied and is known as the Union House.  He built several other buildings still standing, including the homestead, which are monuments of his handicraft.  He died March 3, 1849.  He was a member of the Congregational church and one of its deacons.  He married, in Mt. Holly, Martha CROWLEY, Dec. 4, 1823, who was born July 1, 1804.  Mrs. PIERCE survived until Aug. 9, 1853.  She was an exemplary Christian lady and their house was always open to the clergymen of all denominations.  Children: Sally P. (Mrs. C. S. GREENE), of Portsmouth, OH; Mary Roxana (Mrs. Austin WOODRUFF), of Randolph, died in 1856; John CROWLEY, born in Mt. Holly, Vt, June 1, 1829; Addison, born in 1834, married Oct. 2, 1856, Lucetta JONES and died May 16, 1890; and W. Duane, born in 1839, married Mary MAY, and died July 8, 1889.  John C. PIERCE married Marion A., daughter of Aaron PINGREY, June 16, 1857.  She was born in Mt. Holly, March 16, 1835, and came to Randolph with her parents in Dec., 1840.  He spent his youth in the employ of his uncles, A. & A. CROWLEY and A. CROWLEY & Co.  In 1854 with Jerome CHAMPLIN, he bought the mercantile property of the CROWLEYs and together conducted a general store one year.  Mr. PIERCE then purchased the interest of his partner and continued business 3 years longer, when his health failed and he has since dealt in cattle and cultivated his farm.  He has been a Republican since the organization of the party.  He was town clerk, constable, and collector a number of years, deputy sheriff, and assessor.  He has an only daughter, Grace Adele, born June 7, 1858, a poet and writer of marked ability.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1068

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, CHAMBERLAIN, ROBERTS

 

Eli B. PIERCE, born in Lyons, N. Y. Aug 30, 1822, married Nov. 18, 1856, Eliza A. CHAMBERLAIN, who was born July 25, 1832.  She was the adopted daughter of Judge Benjamin CHAMBERLAIN, and was graduated from Phipps Union Female Seminary, of Albion, NY.  Soon after his marriage Mr. PIERCE established himself in E. Randolph as a merchant tailor and later engaged in the grocery business.  He died May 5, 1890.  Children: Tibbets C., born Sept. 6, 1857, was graduated from the commercial department of Chamberlain Institute; and Lucy B., born Jan 16, 1864, was graduated from Chamberlain Institute, and married George W. ROBERTS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1068

 

Surnames:  PIPER, MOORE, WEEGAR

 

Henry G. PIPER ws born in Newfield, N. Y. in 1854.  At the age of sixteen he began business on his own account and in the fall of 1874 came to Randolph, where he learned the trade of blacksmith, which has been his avocation.  In 1886 he became a partner with P.L. MOORE under the firm name of MOORE & PIPER.  Dec. 25, 1880, he married Miss H.E. WEEGAR.  They have one daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1069

 

Surnames:  PRICE, GROW, POPE, DELAND, POTTER, METCALF, SMITH, DRAYTON, CROSS, LANE, ABBEY

 

Meletiah H. PRICE, son of Meletiah and Hannah (GROW) PRICE was born in Cortland county, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1808.  He settled with his father where Steamburgh now is about 1827, on a tract of pine land of some 250 acres, which included the entire village.  They were lumbermen, and despairing of ever making a farm of the claim MH exchanged it for a farm partly cleared in Conewango now owned by A. POPE and R. DELAND.  He removed to it about 1838 and his father died there about 1850.  About 1856 he sold this farm and went to Wisconsin, but returned in the following fall, and eventually bought a farm on log 17 in Randolph, which he sold finally and removed to South Valley, where he died Feb. 12, 1879.  He married Lucinda POTTER of Cold Spring, May 15, 1833, who was born in Connecticut, March 14, 1815.  They had nine children.  Their oldest son, Alfred B. PRICE, was born in Conewango, Oct. 7, 1838, and enlisted in the 64th NY Vols in April 1861, but the quota being filled he was rejected.  In Aug. 1861, he enlisted in Co. C, 9th NY Cav. and at Westfield was attacked with typhoid fever, for which he was sent to the hospital and thence discharged.  Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 154th NY Vols. and participated in all the battles of his regiment being discharged at Elmira, June 21, 1865.  July 27, 1865 he married Ellen, daughter of Zalmon and Mary (METCALF) SMITH, of Napoli.  Mr. PRICE has been a farmer and lumberman in Randolph.  Children: Minnie (Mrs. Alfred DRAYTON), Verie (Mrs. A. B. CROSS), Nora (Mrs. T. S. LANE), and Zalmon.  The latter married Lillie ABBEY, and is a farmer with his father.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1069

 

Surnames:  RATHBONE, VAN BRUNT, SPIKING

 

James RATHBONE, son of Philander and Cynthia (VAN BRUNT) RATHBONE, was born in Albany, N. Y. Oct. 8, 1826.  He moved with his parents to Abbott’s Corners, N. Y. where he remained until he attained his majority.  He spent several years as a clerk and began business as a merchant with his father in Sinclairville, Chautauqua county.  Later he was there associated with others.  In 1875 he removed with his family to Randolph and for two years conducted business in Red House and Forestville.  In 1877 he opened a grocery store in Randolph, which he continued until his death, Feb. 14, 1886.  Feb. 5, 1856, he married Mary A. SPIKING, of Sinclairville.  His son, William L. RATHBONE, succeeded his father in business.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1069

 

Surnames:  RICH, YOUNG, MYRES, FENTON, SEARLES

 

Charles C. RICH, son of Zalmon and Julia A. (YOUNG) RICH, was born in Persia, July 18, 1851.  His father was a farmer.  Charles C. began business as a clerk in a general store in Cattaraugus.  In 1872 he came to Randolph and opened a hardware store in company with his brother, H. Clarence RICH, the firm being styled RICH Brothers.  This continued until Oct. 1880, when the business was divided, C. C. RICH taking the furniture part and H. C. RICH the hardware.  Charles C. continued alone until his health failed.  In 1883 he purchased the opera block and resumed trade.  In 1884 his brother William H. became his partner which continued until Feb. 1890, when William H. sold his interest to William MYRES.  Mr. RICH is a stockholder and a director of the Randolph State Bank.  In June, 1874, he married Louise, daughter of John FENTON.  She died in 1881.  In Nov. 1883, he married Eugenia A. SEARLES.  H. C. RICH was supervisor of Randolph in 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1069 & 1070

 

Surnames: ROGERS, WILES, SAMPLE, FOSKIT

 

William ROGERS, born in Salem, NY, Feb. 20 1807, removed with his parents to Cortland county when he was 8 years old, and married, in Cincinnatus, N. Y. Sept. 11, 1830, Hannah WILES.  He was a farmer there until 1836, when he  removed to Randolph, rented a farm four years, and in the spring of 1840 permanently settled on the place he still owns on lot 28.  Mrs. ROGERS died Dec. 12, 1865, and in 1873 he left the homestead and has since resided with his oldest son, George ROGERS.  Children: George, born Feb. 19, 1831; Giles, of Sheridan, N. Y.; Gilbert, a soldier in the Union army: Jane (Mrs. Alfred SAMPLE), of Kennedy, N. Y.; and Jerome, who died at the battle of Malvern Hill.  George ROGERS began business as a lumberman and manufactured extensively hand-made pine shingles.  Oct. 7, 1856, he married Emily, daughter of Davis B. FOSKIT, and settled where they now reside.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1070

 

Surnames:  SAMPLE, SHEFFER, HESS

 

Frederick SAMPLE settled on Sample hill in 1823 and was soon after joined by his brothers Samuel, John, Jackson, and Jacob.  The neighborhood of this colony of the SAMPLE family soon became known as Sample hill, which name it still bears.  John SAMPLE was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., April 21, 1797.  Dec. 5, 1819, he married Betsey SHEFFER, who died July 21, 1822, being the mother of his daughter Margery.  In 1825 he came to Randolph and located on lot 63.  He returned to his home and Nov. 2, 1826, married Mary HESS.  Mr. SAMPLE had a good education for his day and taught several terms of common school. He was assessor, supervisor, and magistrate a long term of years. He died March 4, 1873. Mrs. SAMPLE died June 29, 1890.

 

Surnames:  SAMPLE, PALMER

 

Freeman E. SAMPLE, oldest son of John, was born on the homestead in 1828.  He married Polly PALMER in 1853 and settled on eighty-five acres of land in Poland, where he died July 9, 1889.  He was an ambitious scholar, received a good academic education, began teaching when sixteen years old, and taught in winters until he was twenty-five. He became prominently identified with the Patrons of Husbandry and was a worthy member of Union Grange, NO. 244, of Jamestown.  He was supervisor at the time of his death.  Children: Eric H. and Ethel E.

 

Surnames: SAMPLE, HOYT, DEWEY

 

Jacob SAMPLE settled on Sample hill in 1823, where his son Andrew J. now lives.  He was born May 13, 1808, and married Clarinda HOYT, Jan 8, 1827, who was born Sept. 5, 1804.  Mr. SAMPLE died Jan. 7, 1870, and Mrs. SAMPLE Aug. 14, 1870.  Of their eleven children five are living.  The youngest, Andrew SAMPLE, was born on the homestead April 24, 1849, where he has always resided, having succeeded his father by buying the interests of his brothers and sisters.  Jan. 5, 1871, he married Laura, daughter of Lucius DEWEY.  Children: Clayton L., born Nov. 7, 1872; Lelia V., born Aug. 31, 1875 ; and Viola A., born April 10, 1882.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1070 & 1071

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER, GOULD

 

Ezekiel SCUDDER, a native of Massachusetts and a Revolutionary soldier, married Cynthia GOULD, of that State, where his first child, Marvin, was born.  With his family he came to Victor, N. Y., where he was one of the earliest settlers.  He remained there a quarter of a  century, cleared a farm, built and operated a grist-mill, a saw-mill, and a carding and cloth-dressing-mill, and thence removed to Phelps, where he was a farmer.  In 1827 he came to Randolph and settled on lot 14, where the widow of John ARCHER now lives.  He died on lot 55.  Children: Marvin, Joel, Laura, Calvin, Malana, Betsey, Enos, Roena, Clarissa, and Freeman.

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER, BOUGHTON, HUNTINGTON

 

Capt. Marvin SCUDDER, son of Ezekiel, was born in Albany county, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1791.  He married Deborah BOUGHTON in Victor, N. Y., Nov. 12, 1812; she died Dec. 26, 1862.  He died Dec. 14, 1871.  Mr. SCUDDER settled on a farm in Victor and was also proprietor of a saw-mill.  He was captain of a militia company in the War of 1812.  In 1832 he came with his family to Randolph and located where the Park block now stands, and there opened his house to the public.  Later he built the hostelry now the Central House and conducted it as SCUDDER's Hotel.  About 1840 he went to Michigan and Ohio.  Returning to Randolph he conducted a general store and his farm.  He and his wife died in Oneida, IL.  Buel SCUDDER, his son, born in Victor, Jan. 22, 1816, married Almira HUNTINGTON in Napoli, May 17, 1842, and settled on Cold Spring street about a half-mile south of the village.  He has resided on his present farm since 1860.  Mrs. SCUDDER died Sept. 24, 1889.

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER,  CRONK, SEARS, BERRAY, FENTON, DOCKSTADER

 

Joel SCUDDER, son of Ezekiel, was born in Victor, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1793.  He served in the War of 1812, married Hannah CRONK, and engaged in farming.  In 1830 they moved to Randolph, where he bought the Benjamin Clark farm, which included the grounds occupied by the railroad depot, and about two years later opened his house as a tavern.  About seven years later he removed to Carroll, Chautauqua county, where he resided ten years and kept hotel.  Returning to Randolph he followed farming until his death March 3, 1866, his wife dying the same day, both being buried in the same coffin.  Of their six sons and four daughters six are living: Polly, widow of Nathan L. SEARS; Rumina (Mrs. Henry L. BERRAY); Joel, of Kiantone, N. Y.; Elizabeth, widow of Hon. Reuben E. FENTON, of Jamestown, N. Y.; Albert; and Lester.  John Dempster SCUDDER, son of Joel, enlisted in the Civil war and was killed in battle in 1865.  Lester SCUDDER, the youngest son of Joel, was born in Randolph, Sept. 21, 1833, and inherited the homestead, which he still owns.  Feb. 15, 1866, he married Alida C., youngest daughter of Adam DOCKSTADER, and has one son, Frank L.

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER, SALISBURY, LOUX

 

Spencer SCUDDER, son of Marvin, was born in Victor, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1814.  Oct. 3, 1836, he married Caroline SALISBURY in Randolph.  Children: Egbert M., Ogden H., Ambrose S., and Adaline A.  He married, second, Ann LOUX, of Ellery, N. Y., who was the mother of his son A. Hamilton.  Mr. SCUDDER died in Galesburg, Ill., Sept. 29, 1878.  He was a justice of the peace twenty consecutive years and was supervisor in 1852.

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER, GOULD

 

Hon. Samuel SCUDDER, son of Joel, was born in Randolph, April 3, 1830.  He received his education in Chamberlain Institute, and was engaged in farming, in the lumber business, and in the production of oil.  A staunch Republican he represented his town as supervisor seven years and was elected to the Assembly in 1875.  June 28, 1853, he married Amanda M. GOULD.  Children: James T., born in 1855; Jennie E., died in infancy; Bertie, died aged eighteen ; and Genevieve P.  Mr. SCUDDER died Aug. 7, 1883.

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER, GUERNSEY

 

Ogden H. SCUDDER, son of Spencer, was born in Randolph, Nov. 23, 1838, attended the common schools and Randolph Academy, and in 1859 went to Illinois.  In Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 89th IL. Vols. He participated in the battles of Chickamaugua, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge, and Resaca, was captured at New Hope Church, May 27, 1864, and sent to Andersonville prison, to Charleston, and to Florence, and was paroled at City Point, March 2, 1865.  He was discharged June 2, 1865.  On his return he was a conductor on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio railroad until 1876 and on the Bradford & Eldred railroad from 1876 until 1800.  Since then he has been a farmer and breeder of registered Holstein cattle.  Aug. 20, 1868, he married Antoinette, daughter of Dr. O. GUERNSEY, and has a son, and a daughter.

 

Surnames:  SCUDDER, FENTON, GOODWILL, YORK

 

Alvin L. SCUDDER, son of Buel, was born in Randolph, Sept. 8, 1843.  He was educated in Randolph Academy, has followed farming as an avocation, and has also dealt in cattle.  He now resides in Randolph village.  May 30, 1864, he married Lodema M., daughter of John FENTON, of South Valley.  They had an only daughter, Lizzie Lodema, born in Randolph, June 7, 1868.  She married, Feb. 4, 1891, Fletcher GOODWILL, of Buffalo.  Mrs. SCUDDER died Sept 19, 1868.  Jan. 6, 1874, he married Addie E. YORK, of Meadville, PA.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1072

 

Surnames:  SEAGER, WOODARD, MYERS, BIGELOW

 

Hector SEAGER was born in Simsbury, Conn., March 14, 1793.  In 1813 he emigrated to Phelps, Ontario county.  He began business as a school teacher.  Nov. 14, 1813, he married Sally, daughter of Captain WOODARD.  In 1831 he removed to Conewango and settled on the old Chautauqua road, his being one of the two settlements in that town.  He died Aug. 16, 1859.  Mrs. SEAGER died Sept. 15, 1857.  Mr. SEAGER was supervisor and often did conveyancing.  He was a member of the Methodist church and for years a class-leader.  He had eight children, six of whom were born in Phelps and two in Conewango.  Their youngest son, George E. SEAGER, born Feb. 6, 1833, now residing in Randolph, owns the homestead.  In 1874 he removed to Randolph to better conduct his large business in butter and cheese, which he began in 1870.  In 1884 he was elected village trustee and was influential in establishing the present water works, negotiating the bonds, and being superintendent of construction.  In 1886 he was elected president of the village and held the position four years.  April 15, 1858, he married Ruth C. MYERS, of Conewango; children: Minnie L., a graduate of Allegheny College, of  Meadville, Pa, and now the preceptress of the Union Free School of Randolph; and Frank L.  Mrs. SEAGER died in Aug., 1869.  In 1871 he married Nettie BIGELOW, of Conewango.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1072

 

Surnames: SEARLE, OSTROM, WOODFORD

 

William E. SEARLE, son of Tyler H. and Jane (OSTROM) SEARLE, was born in Villenova, Chautauqua county, in 1850, was educated in the common schools and in Forestville Academy, and commenced business as a clerk in the general store of Amos Dow & Son.  He was also a traveling salesman, and in 1876 he formed a partnership with his uncle, Thomas L. OSTROM, in a general merchandise trade in East Randolph, where they continued until 1877.  At the organization of the State Bank of East Randolph Mr. SEARLE was chosen cashier, which position he now holds. April 19, 1877, he married Lelia W., daughter of H. J. WOODFORD.  They have a son and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1072

 

Surnames:  SHELDON, CROWLEY, CALHOUN, EDDY, MERRILL, ROGERS

 

Thaddeus Spencer SHELDON was born March 3, 1818, in Rupert, Vt.  His mother died when he was about nine years old.  In 1836 he came to Randolph and soon developed business talents of the highest order.  His store was the place of exchange for every kind of commodity produced by the farmers.  He was prosperous and accumulated a fair fortune.  He was a leader in all public enterprises for the improvement of his town.  He was one of the founders of Randolph Academy and next to judge Chamberlain was the largest contributor to its establishment.  He also contributed largely to the erection of the churches and to all benevolent enterprises of the town.  He was deeply interested in the construction of the railroad.  Mr. SHELDON married, May 4, 1839, B. Rosetta CROWLEY, who died March 4, 1847.  Nov. 16, 1847, he married Agnes E. CALHOUN, who is the mother of all his children, and who survives.  Mr. SHELDON died July 17, 1868.  Their son, Charles C. SHELDON, born in Randolph, Aug. 17, 1848, began business as a salesman for A. & A. CROWLEY when ten years old and is now a merchant in his native village.  Nov. 22, 1870, he married Fanny, daughter of W. A. EDDY; children: James C., born Nov. 10, 1871; and Charles E., born Feb. 16, 1874.  Their daughter A. R. married Charles MERRILL, secretary of the Home for Homeless Children, president of the village, and station agent.  Their other son, Thaddeus S., was. born Jan. 9, 1859, served five years in the regular army, and was an ambulance driver two years longer.  The past six years he has been a salesman in the store of his brother C. C.  In Feb., 1887, he married Abbie L. ROGERS, of Salamanca.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1072 & 1073

 

Surnames:  SMITH, WILCOX, METCALF

 

Ira SMITH came to Randolph about 1830 and removed in 1847 to Conewango where he died Aug. 7, 1879.  His wife, Eliza WILCOX, bore him ten children, of whom Zalmon lives in Napoli and Jeannette (Mrs. D. M. METCALF), in Cold Spring.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1073

 

Surnames:  STANLEY, ABBEY, KIERSTEAD, MILLS, DEWEY

 

Isaac C. STANLEY, born in 1820, came to Randolph with his father from Cortland county, N. Y., about 1831.  His father, Joseph STANLEY, settled where his grandson, Jefferson ABBEY, now lives.  Mr. STANLEY was a prominent settler and gave each of his seven children a farm.  Isaac C. STANLEY married, first, Eleanor KIERSTEAD, who was the mother of his sons Luther and Joseph.  She died in March, 1850.  In May, 1851, he married Julia MILLS, of Cherry Creek; children: Ellen S. (Mrs. L. J. DEWEY), and Addison C., born in 1854, a farmer on the homestead.  Isaac C. STANLEY died in April, 1875.  Addison C. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he is a W. M., and in June, 1891, was a, delegate to the Grand Lodge held in New York city.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1073

 

Surnames:  STEWART, REED, ZIBBLE

 

Arthur A. STEWART, son of J. F., was born in Randolph in 1854.  Educated in the public schools he began business as proprietor of the mill which he now owns and conducts, the capacity of which he has at least increased three-fold.  In Sept., 1890, he married Mrs. A. M. (REED) ZIBBLE.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1073

 

Surnames:  STONE,  WOOD, HOLLENBECK

 

Edwin STONE, born in Brownville, N. Y., June 24, 1831, began business as a carpenter at the age of eighteen years.  In the fall of 1850  he came to Conewango.  Nov. 17, 1851, he married Orlantha Priscilla, daughter of Gaius WOOD, and settled as a farmer in Rutledge.  Mr. STONE has 37 acres in the village of Randolph, where he has resided since the spring of 1876.  He has been a dealer in real estate, has built and renewed several farm buildings, and built and conducted a cheese factory two years.  In Sept., 1864, he enlisted in the Rebellion, and was discharged June 23, 1865.  While moving, a building at the company quarters a roof fell upon his head, which fractured his skull and incapacitated him from further duty.  Children: Frank A., who married Emma HOLLENBECK, of Leon; and Minnie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1073

 

Surnames:  SWAN, PEASE, SALISBURY, ALLEN, WHITE

 

Horace D. SWAN came from Madison county, N. Y., to East Randolph as early as 1827, and there built the first iron foundry in town, which he and his partner, James PEASE, conducted about a year, trading his interest for a saw-mill in Cold Spring.  He conducted a lumber business two or three years, and was a resident and merchant in Randolph, where he was also justice of the peace five or six years from 1832.  Returning to Cold Spring he was a farmer and served as supervisor from 1839 to 1842 inclusive, and also kept a country hotel.  He finally became a farmer in Napoli, and died at Oil City, Pa., while marketing produce, aged sixty-two.  He married, in Madison county, Polly SALISBURY, who was born in 1800, and who survived until Dec., 1878.  Of their five sons four are living: James A., of Dakota; Daniel S.; and Alonzo F. and Horace D., of Napoli.  Daniel S. SWAN, born in Villenova, Chautauqua county, June 23, 1829, was a clerk in a country store at the age of seventeen, and six years later opened a store in company with Deacon ALLEN in Cold Spring, where he was engaged two years.  He then removed to East Randolph and opened a general store.  In 1867 he removed to Randolph, where he has since resided.  He was a merchant about five years, a lumberman four years, and has run a large number of lumber rafts down the river.  Since 1877 he has engaged largely in producing oil.  A staunch Democrat, he has been supervisor, justice of the peace, and overseer of the poor.  In 1864 he married Lizzie M., daughter of Andrew P. WHITE, of Ellington, Chautauqua county.  Children: Eva M., Agnes W. (deceased), Lizzie M. (died July 1, 1886), and Arthur W. (born in 1880).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1074

 

Surnames:  TERRY, CLARK, HURD, FOX

 

Charles W. TERRY, son of William A., was born in Franklinville, March 25, 1846.  At the age of eight years his parents removed to Sugar Grove, Pa.  At the age of fourteen he was employed by a Mr. CLARK in the lower oil field and at fifteen was sent to Blossburg, Pa., to superintend the sinking of a test oil well.  In 1861 he enlisted in the 9th N. Y. Cav., but was rejected on account of age and size and not having permission of his parents.  In 1862 his parents moved to Conewango, and Charles attended school at what is now called Chamberlain Institute, walking about four miles night and morning.  In Aug., 1864, he enlisted in the 9th N. Y. Cav., and was with Sheridan on his raid from Winchester to Appomattox.  After being discharged he again attended school at Chamberlain Institute, and received a State Regents' certificate as an academic scholar in Nov., 1867.  In the winter of 1869 he was one of the teachers in Chamberlain Institute under Professor Post, and had charge of the common English department and advanced classes in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.  In 1868 he engaged in the drug business with J. C. HURD at East Randolph as clerk, and continued in the business as clerk and proprietor till 1876.  He married Adelle M., daughter of A. B. FOX, of East Randolph, Feb. 19, 1870.  They had one son, Leland B., born July 3, 1874.  In Feb., 1875, Mr. TERRY was elected justice of the peace in Randolph for four years.  In the fall of the same year he moved into Conewango and the next spring was elected town clerk.  In Feb., 1877, he was appointed justice of the peace for one year and was elected for four years from Jan. 1, 1878, and in Feb., 1881, was re-elected for four years more.  In 1876 he entered the office of M. V. Benson at East Randolph and read law three years.  June 1, 1877, he was appointed by the collector of internal revenue at Buffalo deputy collector for the counties of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus, and held the position till July 1, 1882.  In 1877 he was elected journal clerk of the Board of Supervisors, and was re-elected continuously till the fall of 1882, when he was elected county clerk for three years.  At the expiration of his term as county clerk he moved to Randolph and in the spring of 1887 was elected supervisor of the town, and has been re-elected each succeeding year, being the present incumbent of that office.  He has always taken a lively interest in politics, is an ardent Republican, and has been several years a          member and secretary of the Republican County Committee.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1074

 

Surnames:  THOMA, SMITH, HALL, BARBER, MILKS

 

Dominicus THOMA was born in Baden, Germany, July 21, 1815.  In 1832 he emigrated to America in a sailing vessel.  Sept. 1, 1833, he came to East Randolph from Montgomery county, and was engaged in the sale of German clocks until 1841.  In Dec., 1839, he married Mary E. SMITH.  About a year later he settled on a farm in Randolph, where he resided about three years.  In the fall of 1844 he removed to Fredonia, N. Y., where he was engaged in manufacturing and dealing in lumber until the fall of 1857.  He then returned to East Randolph, and with three others purchased the foundry and machine shop then standing on the site now occupied by S. J. Benedict's establishment.  Three years later he sold to his partners, and opened a grocery store, which he continued five years.  Since then be has been a sawyer.  He has served several years as town clerk of Conewango.  Children: Marion, widow of C. E. HALL; A. Jennie (Mrs. Frank BARBER); Blanche E.; and R. Adaline (Mrs. Manly D. MILKS).  In Oct., 1840, he received his naturalization papers from Judge Benjamin Chamberlain, and cast his first ballot in November following for Martin Van Buren.  In 1856 he joined the Republican party,

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1074 & 1075

 

Surnames:  HOMPSON, CURTIS

 

D. Hart THOMPSON, youngest child and only son of Jabez and Clarissa (CURTIS) THOMPSON, was born in Leon in 1848.  His parents were natives of Connecticut and settled in Leon about 1830.  Jabez bought cattle and drove them to eastern markets, and owned and conducted a grist-mill, distillery, general store, and a farm of 400 or 500 acres.  He subsequently removed to Randolph and retired from business.  He died in March, 1891.  Mrs. THOMPSON died in June, 1888.  D. Hart THOMPSON began business as a merchant in Leon.  He removed to Sinclairville, where he continued his mercantile career ten years.  In 1882 he came to Randolph, where he was a merchant two or three years.  Since then he has been engaged with William E. Smith & Co., of New York, in buying cheese.  The last two years he has also superintended their combination of cheese factories.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1075

 

Surnames:  THURSTON, TORRANCE, TORRENCE

 

Daniel THURSTON was born in Oneida county, N. Y., Oct. 20, 1809.  His father died about 1814 and he resided with his mother until twenty years of age, when, in 1829, he came to Randolph and purchased fifty acres of wood-land on lot 38.  April 7, 1831, he married Lodensy TORRANCE [sic], who was born Oct. 11, 1810. in Bristol, N. Y., and died May 21, 1891.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1075

 

Surnames:  TORRENCE, HITCHCOCK, STEDMAN, PHILLIPS, WOODWORTH, KENT

 

The TORRENCE family in America is of Scotch-Irish origin and descends from Thomas TORRENCE, who was father of Samuel, whose son Timothy M. was born in Bristol, Conn., Sept. 6, 1786.  When young he removed to Henrietta, N. Y., where he married Zervinia HITCHCOCK, and where he settled as a farmer.  In Feb., 1824, he removed to Randolph with a heavy sled and two yoke of oxen, bringing his wife and four children.  He lived in a log shanty on lot 46, where his grandson, Joel B. TORRENCE, now resides.  His farm contained 230 acres of solid woodland.  He held several town offices.  Being one of a committee appointed to name the town he suggested "Randolph" in honor of John RANDOLPH.  He was a devoted Christian and for many years, was a member of the Baptist church.  He died in Aug., 1871.  Mrs. TORRENCE died in September of the same year.  They had twelve children, of whom eight attained mature age: Seymour, of Michigan; Lodensy (Mrs. Daniel THURSTON), died May 21, 1891; Permelia (Mrs. A. STEDMAN), died in May, 1891; Garwood M.; Lovisa (Mrs. Philander PHILLIPS); Romeda (Mrs. William PHILLIPS); Olive (Mrs. C. WOODWORTH); and Fanny (Mrs. William KENT).

 

Surnames:  TORRENCE, BASSETT, CROSS, BOYINGTON, FOSTER, BABCOCK, GILBERT, WALLACE, CHURCHILL

 

Garwood M. TORRENCE was born in Henrietta, N. Y., Aug. 4, 1814.  He married Persis, daughter of Dea. Joel BASSETT, of Napoli, who was born April 5, 1817.  He settled in life as a farmer and eventually owned the homestead, and died June 16, 1885.  Mrs. TORRENCE died Oct. 2, 1890.  Children: Joel B. ; Lucy C., born March 7, 1841, married William H. CROSS; Emeline L., born Nov. 15, 1843, married Benjamin BOYINGTON; Mitchell T., born July 3, 1845; Carrie P. (Mrs. James H. FOSTER) ; Mary M. (Mrs. David BABCOCK); and Rena V. (Mrs. Anderson GILBERT).  Joel B. TORRENCE, born Oct. 28, 1839, resides on the homestead.  He had a few terms at Randolph Academy and Sept. 6, 1862, enlisted in Co. H, 154th N. Y. Vols., being discharged June 11, 1865.  Oct. 13, 1869, he married Ella WALLACE, of Perrysburg, Ohio, who died May 23, 1873.  Sept. 25, 1876, he married Hattie CHURCHILL, of Ellington, N. Y., daughter of Cullen CHURCHILL, a pioneer of that town.  Mitchell T. TORRENCE married Sarah J. CROSS, of Randolph.  Dec. 11 1863, he enlisted in Co. H, 14th N.Y.   H. A., was confined in the hospital with typhus fever three months in the summer of 1864, and was discharged Aug. 26, 1863.  In 1867 he settled on the farm where he now resides, and where he also deals in cattle, fruit, and poultry.  He has four sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1075 & 1076

 

Surnames:  TURNER, JONES, BENSON, MUNSON, PARMOUR

 

Thomas TURNER, born in Oxford, England, in 1803, came to America in March, 1852, and the next June married Elizabeth JONES.  He settled in the village of Randolph, where be died in 1878.  Mrs. TURNER resides in Franklin, Pa.  Children: Mary, of Oakland, Pa; John E., born in 1856, a butcher and dealer in meats; Sarah (Mrs. John BENSON, Jr.) of Napoli; Rachel (Mrs. Charles MUNSON), of Spokane Falls, Wash.; Susan (Mrs. Harry PARMOUR), of Indianapolis, Ind.; Thomas E., a butcher with his brother John E.; and Joseph, of Jamestown.  Thomas was a landscape and market gardener.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1076

 

Surnames:  TURNER, SEARLE, HACKETT, MOORE BUTLER, HODGKISS

 

Thomas TURNER, a native of Ireland, was born Jan. 25, 1829, came to Randolph in 1850, and married, that year, Anna SEARLE.  He was a farmer and died Feb. 19, 1891.  Children: Ellen (Mrs. J. HACKETT), deceased; Richard (deceased); Anna (Mrs. P. L. MOORE); Martha (Mrs. BUTLER); Thomas J.; Joseph C., of Leon; and Melvin, John, Ida V., and Eva K.  Thomas J. TURNER is a farmer on the Knox place and also deals in horses.  He resides in Randolph village, where he has served as street commissioner.  Feb. 13, 1890, he married Celia HODGKISS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1076

 

Surnames:  VAN RENSSELAER, SCUDDER, CARTER, OWEN

 

Henry K. VAN RENSSELAER, son of  Dr. D. S. VAN RENSSELAER (see page 174), was born in Otisco, N.Y., March 12, 1820.  He received an academic education and commenced business as a merchant.  He has been a farmer and for the last twenty-five years has been engaged in the insurance business.  Originally a Democrat he joined the Republican party at its organization, and has been a trustee of Chamberlain Institute continuously since its inception in 1866, serving most of the time as secretary of the board.  In 1842 he married Eliza C. SCUDDER, who was the mother of his daughter, Mrs. L. H. CARTER.  Mrs. VAN RENSSELAER died in 1850.  April 23, 1857, he married Miss A. A. OWEN; children living: Leland D., a partner in the insurance business with his father; Mattie, a teacher; and Henry Herbert, an electrician.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1076

 

Surnames:  WATKINS, JORDAN, SNOW, WEEDEN, PHILLIPS

 

Lieut. George W. WATKINS, son of Lyman and Abigail (JORDAN) WATKINS, was born in Bethany, N.Y.  June 27, 1821.  His father was a native of Vermont and his mother of Maine.  In 1834 the family came from Titusville, Pa., to Napoli.  His father was a blacksmith, and at Napoli Center he opened a shop which he conducted about two years, when he returned to Pleasantville, Pa., where he died.  George W. remained in Cattaraugus county.  Feb. 8, 1842, he married Alvira, daughter of Nathan SNOW, of Conewango.  He followed his father's trade until the Rebellion broke out, when he began to fill up Co. B, 64th Regt. N.Y. State Militia.  Mr. WATKINS went to the front as orderly-sergeant, was promoted first lieutenant, and discharged June 18, 1863, for disability.  He was in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Chancellorsville.  He now resides in the village of East Randolph.  Four of his six children are living: Lucelia V. (Mrs. Lafayette WEEDEN), Deloss, Lucetta (Mrs. Oliver PHILLIPS), and Myrtle.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1076

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, OLIN, WRIGHT, BLACKMER

 

Davis WILLIAMS, son of Solomon and Sally (OLIN) WILLIAMS, was born Jan. 16, 1800, and died in East Randolph, Oct. 7, 1890.  He married Juna, daughter of Jason and Huldah (WRIGHT) BLACKMER; she was born June 18, 1803.  Jason BLACKMER was a son of Samuel, who was a son of Samuel, New Englanders, and died in Bennington, Vt., March 9, 1849.  The children of Davis WILLIAMS were Sophia B., Huldah J., Aarah A., Norman D., Abigail P., Mary A., Rollin B., and Saraette M.  Mr. WILLIAMS was a pioneer of Cattaraugus county, and resided in Leon, Otto, and East Randolph villages.  His wife survives him.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1076 & 1077

 

Surnames:  WILLOUGHBY, COLE, FITCH, BARR

 

The WILLOUGHBY family in America trace their ancestry back as far as the eleventh or twelfth century.  Their record in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, describes them as descendants of Sir John de WILLOUGHBY, a Norman knight.  Tracing from him through a lineage of lordships we find George WILLOUGHBY, the seventh baron in the line of descent, who was doubtless the father of Joseph WILLOUGHBY, who was born in 1691.  "Being a young man of great intelligence, master of the fine arts, expert in fencing, a charming musician, and of pleasing address, he was a great favorite of Queen Anne, reigning sovereign of England, and was chosen by her one of her 'Life Guards.'“  "The Lord Chamberlain attempting to enter the Queen's bed-chamber dishonorably, he resented the indignity, fought the Lord Chamberlain, and slew him.  Instead of being executed for murder he was banished from the Kingdom about 1714, and went to Carthagenia, South America, where he resided about two years.  He then emigrated to Norwich, Conn., and settled there.  Later he removed to Northville and settled on a farm, where he died in 1751."

 

Bliss WILLOUGHBY, his oldest son, was born in 1721, and married, second, Rosanna COLE in 1771 or 1772.  He had settled in Shaftsbury, Vt.  He preached the gospel and was also a magistrate and government surveyor, and surveyed a large portion of the southern part of Vermont.  He was sent to England to ask religious toleration of the Queen and accomplished the object.  With a large number of "New Lights," as adherents of his creed were styled, he became a Baptist.  He died Sept. 27, 1807.  His son Bliss was born and lived on the Shaftsbury homestead, where his son, Rev. Bliss C. WILLOUGHBY, was born Jan. 23, 1807.  When the latter attained the age of twenty he came to Sheridan Center, N. Y., where he resided three years.  In 1830 he settled in Rutledge, where, in 1831, he experienced conversion to Christ and where, in 1832, he married Joanna M. FITCH, who died Dec. 10, 1888, aged eighty-one.  Children: one died in childhood; a daughter died Feb. 4, 1886; and Albert F., born in Rutledge in Conewango, Sept. 3, 1833.  Rev. Mr. WILLOUGHBY, a few years after his conversion, placed himself under the able tutelage of Rev. William Arthur, father of the late President Chester A. Arthur, then pastor of the Baptist church of Perry, N. Y.  He afterward attended the academy in Wyoming and soon after was licensed to preach.  He was ordained July 27, 1841, and has been pastor of the following churches: Clear Creek, Cherry Creek, Randolph, Kennedy, Fredonia, Rutledge, Eden, Warren (Pa.), Meadville and Pleasantville (Pa.), Sinclairville. and Union City (Pa.).  He closed his regular pastoral labors with the church at Randolph.  Since then he has supplied the church of Napoli two seasons and still occasionally preaches a sermon.  Nov. 8, 1890, he married Mrs. L. D. BARR, of Cranberry, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1077

 

Surnames:  WOOD, SNOW

 

Oscar C. WOOD, son of Gaius and grandson of Gen. Seth WOOD, an early settler of Conewango, was born there April 16, 1844.  In Nov., 1863, he married Rosetta L., daughter of William SNOW, and settled on a farm of 175 acres, which he sold nine years later and bought in East Randolph the farm he now owns.  He was proprietor of five creameries from 1873 until 1885, in which he manufactured both butter and cheese, his sales from one factory in 1873 aggregating $60,000.  Since Sept., 1887, he has conducted a hotel in East Randolph.  His hostelry was burned May 14, 1888, and he has since erected a handsome brick structure on the site.  In connection he has a livery stable.  He has served as constable several years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Pages 1077 & 1078

 

Surnames:  WOODFORD, FILLMORE, WOODIN, WHITTAKER, SEARLE

 

Capt. Samuel WOODFORD, born in Connecticut in 1784, married there Phebe FILLMORE, cousin of Millard FILLMORE.  In 1831 they were farming in Ellicottville and June 10, 1837, they settled on a farm in Napoli a short distance from the corporation of East Randolph.  This they sold and came to the village of East Randolph, where he died Jan. 10, 1857.  He served in the War of 1812 under Gen. William Henry Harrison and led his company as captain at the battles of Lundy's Lane, Kingston, and others.  He served as commissioner of highways in Ellicottville and Napoli.  He and his wife were members of the Baptist church.  She died May, 13, 1867.  Of their eleven children five are living: N. S., Cyrus Fillmore, John V., Emily S. (widow of David WOODIN). and Henry J.  Henry J. WOODFORD was born in Ellicottville, March 4, 1833.  He was proprietor of the Half-way House between Randolph and Little Valley and subsequently of the East Randolph House, which he conducted with a livery about fifteen years.  Since then he has been engaged in the hardware business, in oil speculation, and in dealing in real estate.  He has also bought and sold many high blooded horses.  He owns the famous horse "Barnum,' long "king of the turf."  Mr. WOODFORD married Sarah J. WHITTAKER, a native of Vermont, Aug. 6, 1853.  Children: Elva Augusta, Lelia W. (Mrs. W. E. SEARLE), Bertie (died Feb. 4, 1857), Frank McClellan.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1078

 

Surname:  WOODRUFF

 

Austin WOODRUFF, born in Aurora, N.Y., July 6, 1820, was educated in the academy at Aurora.  His father, a farmer and lumberman, died Jan. 14, 1838.  He was a clerk in a store in Machias a year, and then returned home and managed the farm and saw-mill until 1844, when, with his brother, Henry Seymour WOODRUFF, he opened a general store in Yorkshire.  In 1846 and 1847 he was proprietor of the Globe Hotel in Yorkshire.  In 1849 Austin came to Randolph, where he still resides.  Here he has been a merchant and a dealer in live stock.  Originally a Whig he joined the Republican party at its organization, and has been assistant revenue assessor several years, resigning the position in favor of Capt. F. C. Jones, a veteran of the war; he was also for six months in the Pension Bureau at Washington.  He has served a number of years as assessor of this town and was long a trustee of Randolph Cemetery.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Randolph – Chapter XLIV (44)

Page 1079

 

Surnames:  WOODWORTH, BEMIS, LEACH, COY, SEYMOUR, PIERCE, ELLIOTT

 

Capt. Zebedee WOODWORTH was born in Rensselaerville, N. Y., May 14, 1779.  His father removed with his family to Fenner, N. Y., and in 1825 Zebedee came to Randolph and settled on Sample hill.  Later in his life he removed to the village and gave his attention to his lumber business.  He filled most of the town offices, being supervisor six years, and in the militia rose to the rank of captain.  Captain WOODWORTH died Nov. 25, 1867, the day of the fifty-second anniversary of his settlement in Randolph.  Children: Mary A. (Mrs. E. LEACH), George, Sophia W. (Mrs. S. HOLBROOK), deceased, Charles, Spencer, and Susan (Mrs. BEMIS), deceased, George WOODWORTH was born in Madison county, Jan. 14, 1823.  He has principally followed farming, but has also manufactured and dealt in lumber and for forty-five years was a dealer in cattle.  Mr. WOODWORTH now resides in Randolph village and has retired from active business.  In Sept., 1846, he married Miss C. COY.  Children: Mina (Mrs. Henry SEYMOUR); Lewis, who married Cora PIERCE, and is a farmer and deputy sheriff; and Flora (Mrs. Frank ELLIOTT.)

 

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TOWN OF RED HOUSE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Red House – Chapter XLV (45)

Page 1081

 

Surname:  BURGETT

 

The BURGETT family in Red House have been among the town's most prominent and enterprising citizens.  Richard BURGETT opened a hotel in the village in 1871 and the same year was elected supervisor.  Frank A. BURGETT has held the office by re-election since 1887.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Red House – Chapter XLV (45)

Page 1081

 

Surname:  FRINK

 

Darius FRINK, the first permanent settler in Red House, was a native of Sterling, Conn., and for one year was a resident of Carroll, Chautauqua county.  In 1828 he came to this town, where for many years he was the only white inhabitant.  During the last few years of his life he lived on lot 18 in town 2, where his son James subsequently resided.  The latter has served his town in official capacities, being supervisor in 1886.  Nelson, his brother, lived and died in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Red House – Chapter XLV (45)

Page 1081

 

Surname:  FULLER

 

Howard FULLER settled first in Randolph, then in Pennsylvania, and in 1839 in Cold Spring, whence he subsequently removed to Red House.  He was a prominent pioneer and long carried on an extensive mercantile and lumbering business.  He was supervisor of Cold Spring four years and held other local offices.  His son Howard, Jr., served as supervisor of Red House in 1870, from 1879 to 1881, in 1883, and in 1884.  He came here in 1858.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Red House – Chapter XLV (45)

Page 1081

 

Surname:  ROSENBERRY

 

James ROSENBERRY was born in Butler county, Pa., and became the second permanent settler in Red House, locating on lot 31 in 1837.  He went to Great Valley in 1815 and thence to Salamanca in 1816, where he lived until his removal hither.  He died here, the oldest man in town.

 

 

TOWN OF SALAMANCA

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1092 & 1093

 

Surnames:  ANDREWS, LATTIN, BENSON, LAING

 

Jerome A. ANDREWS, the second child of Willis M. and Mariette ANDREWS., was born at East Otto, Jan. 6, 1839, and married Emma LATTIN, daughter of Linus LATTIN, of Mansfield, Sept. 23, 1868.  Their children are Bret, born Feb. 5, 1871, married Fannie, daughter of A. F. BENSON, of Cattaraugus, Jan. 28, 1893; Neil, born Dec. 27, 1874, a law student in Buffalo; and Max, born July 4, 1884.  Jerome A. remained on the farm till April, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. I, 37th N. Y. Vols., in which he served as private and sergeant through all the hard-fought battles during his term of enlistment, re-enlisting in 1865 as veteran and first lieutenant.  Immediately subsequent to the fall of the Confederacy he engaged in the sale of general merchandise with his brother G. W. at East Otto, continuing until 1869, when be went to New Albion, where he was postmaster, and subsequently removing to Cattaraugus, where he engaged in the same business.  Thence he went to Salamanca and engaged in the hardware trade with Hon. S. S. LAING, which business he still follows with his oldest son Bret as J. A. ANDREWS & Son.  He is prominent in G. A. R. circles and has been several times commander of E. A. ANDREWS  Post, No. 287, which was named for his brother, and has also been a delegate to State and National encampments.  He is now an aid-de-camp on the staff of the department commander of the State of New York. (See also p. 552.)

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1093

 

Surnames:  BEERS, OSTERBANK

 

James S. BEERS's father, Benjamin BEERS, and mother, Sarah OSTERBANK, were natives of Connecticut.  He was born in Westchester county, N, Y., in 1816, and settled in Little Valley in 1850, whence he removed to West Salamanca in the fall of 1864, where he still resides.  His leading life occupation has been that of a jeweler.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1093

 

Surnames:  BECKWITH, SEIL

 

Stephen A, BECKWITH, born in Fredonia, N. Y., Aug. 5, 1837, attended the common schools, and at the age of eighteen began the trade of a carriage painter.  May 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 37th N. Y. Vols., was mustered in June 7, 1861, and was discharged June 22, 1863.  He was at the first battle of Bull Run, served in the Peninsula campaign, and was at Chancellorsville.  In Jan., 1862, he was detailed on recruiting service and spent about three months in New York city.  At Fair Oaks he had an attack of typhoid fever and was sent in a delirious condition to the hospital on David's Island.  Returning to his regiment he participated in the battle of Fredericksburg and at the close of the war returned home with the rank of sergeant.  He married, Oct. 19, 1864, Philopene SEIL.  In the fall of 1875 he removed to Salamanca, where he is engaged in the manufacture, repair, and sale of carriages.  He is a member of Sherwood Post, No. 380, and has two sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1093

 

Surnames:  BROWNELL, FURLOW

 

Jerome BROWNELL was born in Perrington, N. Y., Oct. 19, 1843.  Aug. 8, 1862, he enlisted in Co. E, 108th N. Y. Vols., and fought his first battle at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862.  He was also at Chancellorsville and at Gettysburg, where he was struck by bullets five times and received a severe wound in his right shoulder.  After recovering he went into the Second Brigade brass band as a musician in the Veteran Reserve Corps and was discharged July 25, 1865.  He was then a miller in several places until 1880, when he settled in Salamanca, where he now resides, and where he is an engineer.  He is now serving his second term as commander of Sherwood Post, No. 380, G. A. R.  March 21, 1866, he married Patience A. FURLOW.  Children: James C. and Willard J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1093

 

Surnames:  CRANDALL, DUNCAN, PICKETT

 

Homer E. CRANDALL, son of Ira C. and Sarah J. (DUNCAN) CRANDALL, was born in Mansfield in 1863.  About 1873 his father, who had been a farmer in Napoli, removed to the village of Cattaraugus, where he engaged in mercantile business.  Homer E. attended the public schools and Chamberlain Institute, and at the age of fourteen began teaching common schools and taught five terms.  He then entered a drug store in Randolph.  In 1882 he came to Salamanca, where he remained a year with Dr. C. P. Colgrove and the late Dr. Day.  In 1883 he entered the New York College of Pharmacy and was graduated therefrom in 1884.  For one year he was in New York in charge of the prescription department in Murray Hill pharmacy and then returned to Salamanca as a clerk in the Palace drug store.  At the death of Dr. Day he became his successor.  April 26, 1888, he married Nellie V. PICKETT.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1093 & 1094

 

Surnames:  CRAWFORD, THOMPSON, MILES, McCULLOUGH, BADGER, BOARDMAN

 

William P. CRAWFORD, son of judge William and Nancy (REED) CRAWFORD, was born in Emlenton, Pa., March 15, 1810.  His father was a prominent citizen of Venango county and held the office of judge.  William P. came to Cattaraugus county in the fall of 1832, and engaged in cutting and hauling pine timber to the saw-mills.  In the spring he ran a raft to Pittsburg and was thenceforward a river pilot until the railroad was completed.  About 1839, with Jonathan THOMPSON, Robert MILES, and John McCULLOUGH, he built the Bucktooth mills on the south bank of the Allegheny river, about one mile below West Salamanca.  Around these mills sprung up a little hamlet of about twenty families, which was the first within the town of Salamanca.  He bought quite extensively of the timber of the Indians on the reservation and of the white settlers.  In 1841 he married Catherine S., daughter of Luther BADGER, also a pioneer of Bucktooth Mills.  In the fall of 1847 he moved his family to the homestead, where he died Feb. 25, 1891.  He succeeded John BOARDMAN as postmaster about 1852 and held the position twenty-two years.  He held most of the important offices of the town and in politics was first a Whig and later a Republican.  He was often a delegate to political conventions.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1094

 

Surnames:  DAVENPORT, LOWNSBERRY, BARKER

 

Westbrook L. DAVENPORT, son of Cyrinius and Cornelia (LOWNSBERRY) DAVENPORT, was born in Wawarsing, N. Y., April 3, 1846.  He began life as a driver for his father on the Delaware & Hudson canal, his father being proprietor of two canal boats.  In Dec., 1863, he enlisted in Co. G, 56th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war.  He received a gun-shot wound in his foot at the battle of Honey Hill near Charleston, S. C.  In the spring of 1871 he settled in Salamanca and became an employee of the Erie railroad, being now assistant cashier of the freight department.  Mr. DAVENPORT is a staunch Republican and has been adjutant of Sherwood Post, No. 380, G. A. R.  Oct. 17, 1875, he married M. Etta, daughter of H. V. B. BARKER, of Cuba, N. Y.  They have two sons and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1094

 

Surnames:  DOTY, JOHNSON, MORGAN

 

Charles A. DOTY was born in Geneseo, N. Y., July 25, 1860.  His father, William H. DOTY, was a customs house officer in New York city, where the family resided several years.  He learned the trade of harness making and in 1882 came to Salamanca, where he still resides.  In May, 1885, he purchased a harness business and has since conducted a thriving trade.  He married Mary L., daughter of Henry JOHNSON, of Salamanca, and has one son.  His uncle, Lockwood L. DOTY, was Governor MORGAN's private secretary and the editor of the Livingston Republican.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1094

 

Surnames:  EATON, McKEEN, MALONEY

 

Benjamin F. EATON, son of Ira and Priscilla (McKEEN) EATON, was born in Colden, N. Y., Dec. 22, 1843.  His father was a native of New Hampshire and of English descent.  His mother was also born in New Hampshire and was of Scotch ancestry.  He supplemented his public school education with a term at Griffith Institute in Springville.  He spent fifteen years in the west, principally in Iowa, engaged in stock-raising and farming.  Returning to his native State in Feb., 1882, he spent two years in farming in Springville and in 1884 settled in Salamanca, where he is still engaged in merchandizing.  In Jan., 1879, he married Anna MALONEY, of West Valley.  Children: Albert R., Mabel Blanche, Franklin J., and Viva J.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1094 & 1095

 

Surnames:  FISH, FIELDS, BURNSIDE, BRACE

 

William T. FISH, son of Joseph and Lucia (FIELDS) FISH, was born in Tioga county, Pa., in 1836, early learned the shoemaker's trade, and entered the store of his brother at Kill Buck as a clerk.  When his brother sold to Charles BURNSIDE Mr. FISH was placed in charge of the store and all of Mr. BURNSIDE's book-keeping.  Two years later he was admitted to partnership in the store under the firm name of W. T. FISH & Co.  Two years afterward they built the first store in Salamanca and opened it for trade in the spring of 1865.  A year later Mr. FISH purchased the interest of Mr. BURNSIDE and has since conducted business alone.  In. the great fire in 1880 his store and stock were destroyed.  He immediately rebuilt his present brick block.  In 1880 he was influential in organizing the First National Bank of Salamanca and has since been one of its directors.  He is a staunch Republican and has often served as a delegate to conventions.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and was six years a member of the Board of Education.  In 1862 he married Mary J. BRACE, of Dunkirk, N. Y.  Children: William J., Charles A., and Minnie C.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1095

 

Surnames:  FITTS, BAYLEY, HALL, WHITMORE, GILLIES

 

James G. FITTS, son of Isaac and Nancy (BAYLEY) FITTS, natives of Southampton, Mass., was born in Dorchester, N. H., Nov. 30, 1829.  His father, a pioneer farmer, removed to Dorchester in 1812 or 1813.  He began business as a carpenter and was engaged near Boston about four years.  In 1856 he came to Cattaraugus county and engaged in manufacturing lumber by contract for Blake, Elwell & Co., of Kill Buck, where he remained until 1869, when he settled in Salamanca (then Bucktooth).  He assumed the management of the Hemlock mills under contract with HALL & WHITMORE to saw all the pine timber on a tract of 7,000 or 8,000 acres.  This employed him thirteen years.  During this time Mr. FITTS manufactured an aggregate of 50,000,000 feet of pine and a large quantity of hemlock lumber and gave employment to fifty or sixty men.  In 1883 he became, with Alonzo M. KENT, proprietor of the. Hemlock mills.  Mr. FITTS also divided a tract of seventy-five acres into village lots.  His brother, Ephraim FITTS, was supervisor of Great Valley in 1885.  In Feb., 1861, he married Mary C. GILLIES, of Scotch descent, who was born on the Atlantic ocean in  1843.  He died April 2, 1893.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1095

 

Surnames:  FOSDICK, HUMPHREY, DOW, WINDSOR

 

Hiram FOSDICK, son of Samuel and Caroline (HUMPHREY) FOSDICK, was born in Erie county, N. Y., Feb. 14, 1827, and was reared in Youngstown, Niagara county.  He became a tailor and when eighteen went to Michigan, where he remained five years as a journeyman.  He also learned of his father the trade of carpenter and in 1849 settled in Randolph, where he resumed his trade as a tailor, which he conducted several years.  On account of impaired health he took up the business of carpenter, which he continued until 1860, when he became the book-keeper and salesman for A. G. DOW, then dealing in hardware.  In Feb., 1863, he went to Memphis, Tenn., where he was citizen clerk in the post quartermaster's department.  In December he returned to Randolph and had charge of Hon. A. G. DOW's banking business in his absence as member of Assembly.  In the spring of 1864 Mr. DOW bought a hardware business in East Randolph and made Mr. FOSDICK his equal partner.  In 1865 that business was closed up and consolidated with Warren DOWS's stock of hardware in Randolph and the combined store was conducted under the firm name of DOW & FOSDICK until 1868, when the business was sold.  April 1, 1869, he again entered Mr. DOW's banking office, where he remained until Oct., 1875, when he had a position with the State Bank of Randolph, where he was employed until he resigned March 1, 1882, to accept the position of cashier of the Salamanca National Bank, which position he has since filled.  In 1866 Mr. FOSDICK married Helen WINDSOR, of York, N. Y.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1095 & 1096

 

Surnames:  GALLAGHER, ANSLEY, LAMB, VEDDER

 

Charles E. GALLAGHER was born of Irish parentage in Little Valley, June 15, 1849, was educated in the common schools and in Randolph Academy, studied law with Hudson ANSLEY and others, and had charge of the law office of Judge LAMB and C. P. VEDDER in Salamanca about two years, but never made application for admission to the bar.  His sight became impaired and for a while he was totally blind.  Partially recovering he opened a hardware and grocery store in Salamanca and is now engaged in the sale of hardware, agricultural implements, carriages, and sleighs, and as a contractor and builder.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1096

 

Surnames:  GARDNER, COYLE

 

Frank H. GARDNER was born in Salamanca, Feb. 3. 1862.  He is the son of C. S. GARDNER and received a good business education in Cleveland, Ohio, after which he learned the printer's trade in his native village.  He married Annie COYLE, Oct. 27, 1884, and has three children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1096

 

Surnames:  GIBSON, FITTS, ANSLEY

 

C. R. GIBSON has resided in Salamanca several years.  He built the opera house in 1890, on the site of the one erected by FITTS & ANSLEY, and has recently metamorphosed it into stores.  He is a wholesale dealer in wines and liquors and one of the substantial men of the village.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1096

 

Surnames:  GILLESPIE, FOWLER, KRIEGER

 

Noble H. GILLESPIE, a native of the North of Ireland and of Scotch descent was born May 3, 1859, emigrated to America in the spring of 1880, and settled in Chicago, where he was engaged in the meat packing establishment of FOWLER Brothers, who sent him to Salamanca in 1881 to superintend their refrigerator department.  He was their agent alternately in Chicago and Salamanca until 1889, since which time he has been a permanent resident here and is now engaged in the harness business.  Oct. 28, 1886, he married Emma, daughter of A. H. KRIEGER.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1096

 

Surnames:  HALL, GAYLORD, HALLECK, PEABODY, PHILLIPS, COWLES

 

Rev. William HALL, son of Ephraim, was born in Dracut, Mass., Sept. 20, 1808.  His father settled in Hanover, N.Y., in 1810.  At the age of twenty-six he was ordained a minister of the Congregational church.  Oct. 22, 1834, he married Emeline GAYLORD and the next day came with his bride to the Allegany reservation and located at Bucktooth Mills as an Indian missionary to the Seneca Nation.  In May following his house was burned and one Indian boy perished in the flames.  He then removed to Old Town in South Valley, where he labored as an Indian missionary, being sustained by the American Board of Foreign Missions, and had very little intercourse with white people for twenty years.  Except about ten years which he spent as a home missionary in London, Mich., he labored constantly as a Christian minister with the Seneca Indians.  In 1878 he was placed on the retired list, but he has continually preached to his Indian congregation.  He resides in West Salamanca.  His life work has been one of great hardship and self-denial.  Feb. 17, 1882, his wife died; of three sons and three daughters three are living; Silas C., Mrs. Lydia S. HALLECK, and Mrs. Clarissa PEABODY.  Nov. 24, 1891, Mr. HALL married Mrs. Sophia M. (PHILLIPS), widow of Sylvester COWLES, D.D., of Randolph.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1096

 

Surnames:  HOAG, BROWN

 

Robert H. HOAG, son of Alexander and Margaret (BROWN) HOAG, was born in County Entran, North of Ireland, in 1842, of Scotch ancestry, and came to America with his parents, a brother, and three sisters in 1846, spending three years in the city of New York, where Alexander was engaged as a stone mason.  The family settled in 1849 in Humphrey, whence, in 1876, he removed to Salamanca, where he still resides.  Robert H. HOAG enlisted Oct. 2, 1861, in Co. I, 37th N. Y. Vols., participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, and siege of Richmond, and was discharged for disability.  In 1880 he settled in Salamanca and since 1884 has been the business manager of the firm of R. H. HOAG & Co.  He is a member of Sherwood Post, G. A. R.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1096 & 1097

 

Surnames:  KEATING, CARRAN

 

James C. KEATING, son of John and Ellen (CARRAN) KEATING, was born in Hanover, N. Y., April 18, 1856.  He learned telegraphy and was employed by the Erie Railroad Company from the age of seventeen until 1879.  He conducted the Union House in Olean in 1880 and was again a telegraph operator until the fall of 1882.  He then settled in Salamanca and conducted a restaurant.  In 1890 he erected Hotel Keating and opened it to the public Jan. 1, 1891.  He has one of the best hotels in Cattaraugus county.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1097

 

Surnames:  KELSEY, CARVER, OLIN, FLINT

 

Truman KELSEY, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (CARVER) KELSEY, was born in Smyrna, N. Y., June 30, 1801.  Jan. 27, 1825, he married Laura OLIN, who was born in Vermont, Feb. 25, 1807.  In 1825 they settled in Great Valley one mile west of Peth, where Mrs. KELSEY died Oct. 27, 1856.  Soon afterward Mr. KELSEY went to Delevan, Wis., where he died.  He held most of the town offices and was many years a justice of the peace.  He had six sons and seven daughters, of whom one son died in infancy.

 

Kathalo KELSEY, the third son of Truman, was born on the homestead in Great Valley, Dec. 25, 1830, and was educated in the common schools, in the Ellicottville Union School, and in Olean Academy, and began business as a teamster in the lumber woods.  He also taught district schools in winter and with his brother Samuel bought the homestead, which for several years they conducted, having also an extensive nursery of fruit trees, shrubs, etc.  From 1868 to 1873 he was a farmer in Kansas.  Returning to Cattaraugus county he settled in 1875 in Salamanca, where he has since followed the professions of civil engineering and land surveying.  Sept. 2, 1861, he married Agnes FLINT, of Great Valley, and has five children.  They belong to the Baptist church.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1097

 

Surnames:  LAING, ANDREWS, EDDY

 

Hon. Solon S. LAING, son of John (see page 557) was born in East Otto in 1847 and was educated in the common schools and in the Buffalo Commercial College.  In 1876 he began business as a hardware dealer in his native town, where he carried on trade eighteen years.  He is now of the firm of LAING & ANDREWS, hardware dealers in Salamanca.  Mr. LAING is a prominent Democrat and represented East Otto on the Board of Supervisors in 1884, 1885, 1889, and 1890, was sixteen years a member and two years chairman of the Democratic County Committee, and several times represented his district in State conventions.  He was postmaster of East Otto several years, cashier of the Bank of Cattaraugus some time, and for five years has been president of that institution.  He was elected member of Assembly in 1891 and was placed on the Committee of Ways and Means, of Agriculture, and of Indian Affairs.  In the spring of 1892 he removed to Salamanca, where he now resides.  In the fall of 1876 he married Martha D. EDDY, of Mansfield, and has a son and a daughter.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1097

 

Surname:  McDONELL

 

John D. McDONELL, born in Ottawa, Canada, in the year 1826, was educated in the public schools and academies, was a clerk in his uncle's general store and lumber camps, and began business as a merchant in his native city (then Bytown), where he remained until 1856, when he came to this State.  In 1859 he became a clerk for the Erie railroad and in 1866 settled in Salamanca.  Since 1888 he has conducted a news, book, and stationery business.  He is of staunch Highland Scotch descent and inherits many native characteristics.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1097 & 1098

 

Surnames:  McKAY, McPHERSON

 

Richard J. McKAY, of Scotch descent, was born in Mansfield, April 23, 1842.  His great-great-grandfather, Elkenny McKAY, emigrated to America from Edinburgh, Scotland, about 1725.  His father was one of the well-known McKAY family of nine brothers.  Richard J., in Aug., 1863, enlisted in the 13th N. Y. H. A., but was rejected by the examining surgeon.  He began business as a butcher and dealer in meat in West Salamanca in 1863.  With and without partners he dealt extensively until 1864 in horses, cattle, and sheep, which he shipped to eastern markets and later to the Pennsylvania oil regions, and produced oil near Titusville, where he had a packing and wholesale pork and beef market in 1871.  In 1874 he began buying dead and crippled stock in the West Salamanca stock yards and soon made this a very profitable business.  In 1876 he was made cashier of the stock yards and a year later became general manager.  In 1882 he leased the yards and in 1883 Hon. John R. McPHERSON associated in business with him, and the yards were enlarged and the business reached huge proportions.  Mr. McKAY was elected the first president of the village of West Salamanca in 1884 and became a director of the First National Bank of Salamanca in April, 1880, resigning the position in July, 1889.  He was elected president of the Salamanca National Bank in April, 1889, and held the position at the time of his death.  When Mr. McKAY became president of the bank the management of the stock yards was given to his son, John J. McKAY, who has since conducted the business.  Mr. McKAY died in Aug., 1891.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1098

 

Surnames:  MESSINGER, BACHMANN

 

Peter MESSINGER, born in Baden, Germany, June 5, 1831, was there a drafted soldier at the age of twenty-one and served in the German army until 1855.  Without leave of absence he emigrated to America in a sailing vessel, which was six weeks crossing the Atlantic.  He arrived in Kill Buck, Sept. 20, 1855, and on the 24th engaged as a laborer in the  Hemlock mills.  Aug. 12, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 154th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged June 21, 1865.  He participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and of Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner and confined in the southern prisons until March 1, 1865, when he was paroled and taken to the Union hospital, whence he was sent home on a furlough and was finally discharged at Elmira.  In Sept., 1871, he entered the employ of the Atlantic & Great Western railroad, and since 1872 has been local car inspector for the Erie railroad.  He is a member of Sherwood Post, No. 380, G. A. R.  July 9, 1857, he married Catherine BACHMANN, of Germany; children: Carl H., born June 4, 1858; Cora M., born May 29, 1866; and Emma, born Sept. 30, 1868.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1098

 

Surname:  MILLER

 

The MILLER Brothers (E. H. and H. J.), dealers in wall papers, window shades, etc., who employ constantly a corps of skilled workman in paper hanging and painting, have been located in Salamanca since 1881.  Their enterprise has become one of the leading industries of the town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1098

 

Surnames:  NEIS, KRIEGER, COAST

 

Charles NEIS, born in Prussia, Germany, in 1848, received a substantial education in the public schools of his native country, and in 1867 emigrated to America and joined his sister, Mrs. KRIEGER, in Salamanca, where he still resides.  He began business as a journeyman cabinet maker and soon established a trade of his own.  About 1876 he engaged in dealing in real estate and became also an extensive builder on his own lands, having completed in Salamanca the new NEIS block at a cost of about $25,000.  He also erected the brick block on the corner of Main and Maple streets and besides has built numerous hotels and dwelling houses in Salamanca and in Bradford, Pa.  He has been trustee and treasurer of the village and was one of the founders and continuously a director of the First National Bank.  In the spring of 1878 he married Emma COAST, of Olean, and has five sons and two daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1098

 

Surnames:  NICHOLS, SEELEY

 

John J. NICHOLS, son of John and Ann (SEELEY) NICHOLS, was born in Warsaw, N. Y., May 16, 1843, and was reared a farmer.  Oct. 29, 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 64th N. Y. Vols., and was discharged with the rank of sergeant Oct. 29, 1864.  He participated in all the battles of his regiment until his discharge, and at the Wilderness was under fire every day from May 6 until July 30, 1864.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1098

 

Surname:  NORTON

 

E. F. NORTON is engaged in the sale of watches, clocks, and jewelry in Salamanca, and is a man of high character and sound business principles.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1099

 

Surnames:  O’BRIEN, SULLIVAN

 

John O'BRIEN, born June 22, 1859, in Limestone, attended the schools of Salamanca and his native town, followed railroading for a time, and finally settled permanently in Salamanca, where he conducts a billiard parlor.  May 13, 1885, he married Ettie, daughter of M. M. SULLLIVAN.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1099

 

Surnames:  PALMER, BARBER, JONES, WATSON, SPRAGUE

 

William C. PALMER, son of Amos N. and Mary (BARBER) PALMER, was born in Hopkinton, R. I., in 1833.  At the age of eighteen he became a clerk in a general store and in 1871 came to East Randolph as a dealer in groceries, where he remained in trade until 1877, when he established the same business in Salamanca, where he still resides.  About 1888 he formed a partnership with Thomas P. JONES under the firm name of PALMER & JONES.  They also have a large store in Bradford, Pa.  In 1856 he married Sarah J. WATSON, of South Kingston, R. I., and they have had three sons and five daughters; one of the daughters and all the sons are deceased; those living are Eveline (Mrs. A. P. SPRAGUE), Media (Mrs. Benjamin WATSON), Susie, and Ruby.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1099

 

Surnames:  PALMER, WALKER, CHASE, HEVENOR, HALE, SMITH

 

J. Davis PALMER, born in Lindley, N. Y., May 31, 1850, came to Salamanca in the fall of 1869 and purchased the interest of Robert H. WALKER in a grocery business in which Mr. WALKER was a partner with James H. PALMER, brother of J. D.  He was a merchant with his brother three or four years under the firm name of PALMER Brothers, and was a clerk in the express office under A. M. CHASE from 1874 until 1879, when he became express messenger, which position he still holds.  His brother formed a partnership with HEVENOR Brothers, sold to them, and afterward was a druggist, which business he continued until his death Dec. 6, 1874.  J. D. PALMER married Emma, daughter of Daniel HALE, of Olean; children: Arthur D. (who married Anna SMITH, of Newark, N. Y., and has one daughter), Ralph H., Estelle, and Alma.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1099

 

Surnames:  PATTERSON, HOWE

 

Daniel H. and Otis H. PATTERSON, oldest and youngest sons of Robert and Charlotte (HOWE) PATTERSON, are natives of Great Valley.  They began business as lumbermen, which has always been their avocation.  They built their mills in Salamanca village, on the Allegheny river, in the fall of 1880 and began sawing lumber Jan. 6, 1881.  They manufacture annually from 5,000,000 to 6,000,000 feet.  Robert PATTERSON was born in Center township, Butler county, Pa., Dec. 3, 1800.  Their grandfather was a native of Cumberland county, Pa., was a farmer, and died in Butler county, Pa., in 1847.  Their great-grandfather emigrated from Scotland at an early day and settled in Cumberland county.  He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was killed.  Robert PATTERSON settled in Great Valley in 1827, where he was a lumberman, hotel keeper, and farmer.  He cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay and after the formation of the Republican party he labored for its success.  He was a Presbyterian.  Mr. and Mrs. PATTERSON are deceased,

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1099

 

Surnames:  REEVES, CHILDS

 

Frank A. REEVES, of West Salamanca, son of George W. (see page 501) was born Nov. 30, 1857.  He was a student in Chamberlain Institute five years and commenced teaching public schools before he was seventeen years of age, teaching in all twenty-eight terms.  In 1877 he was principal of the Union School of West Salamanca, was principal of the graded school of Columbus, Pa., two years, and then engaged in general merchandizing.  He was burned out in Sept., 1889, and is now conducting a grocery store.  In June, 1889, he was appointed postmaster of West Salamanca, which position he still holds.  He has also served as trustee of the village.  March 27, 1879, he married Nellie J. CHILDS, of West Salamanca.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1099 & 1100

 

Surnames:  REYNOLDS, VEDDER

 

Elisha REYNOLDS was born in Savoy, Mass., Dec. 10, 1816, and in 1844 married Maria, sister of Hon. Commodore P. VEDDER.  For many years he resided in Franklinville, but latterly lived in Salamanca with his son, Vedder C. REYNOLDS, where he died May 19, 1893.  His wife died in Franklinville, March 4, 1884.  All their six children survive them.  (See page 400.)

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1100

 

Surnames:  SENEAR, GREEN

 

Oscar B. SENEAR, son of George W., was born in Milford, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1831, removed with his parents to Ellicottville in 1833, and became a salesman in a general store.  In 1857 he was admitted a partner with one of his employers, Francis GREEN, Jr., in mercantile and lumber business, in which he has alone and with others been engaged to the present time.  He is a staunch Republican and in Great Valley and Salamanca has held several town offices.  He was deputy sheriff from 1873 to 1876.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1100

 

Surnames:  SPENCER, CHAMBERLAIN, TOWNSEND, METCALF, VREELAND

 

James O. SPENCER, son of Col. James O. and Triphena (CHAMBERLAIN) SPENCER, was born in Cuba, N. Y., April 28, 1844.  His father was a pioneer of Cuba, where he built a frame house and the first good hotel.  He was supervisor for fourteen or fifteen consecutive years and was colonel of the militia.  His mother was a sister of Judge Benjamin CHAMBERLAIN, in whose family James O. was reared.  May 16, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 37th N. Y. Vols., served his term of enlistment, and re-enlisted in Co. D, 179th N. Y. Vols., and served to the close of the war, being discharged July 30, 1865.  He was duty-sergeant of Co. H and first sergeant of Co. D, and participated in twenty battles, escaping without a wound.  Mr. SPENCER was captured in front of Petersburg in July, 1864, and was confined in prison ten months, being released on parole in June, 1865.  He studied law at East Randolph with Jenkins & Goodwill several months, removed to Portageville, N. Y., where he pursued his law studies with E. TOWNSEND over a year and served as justice of the peace, and in 1879 removed to Salamanca, where he still resides.  He is serving his second term as justice of the peace of Salamanca and is police justice of West Salamanca.  He served as justice of sessions in 1890 and was the Democratic nominee for member of Assembly in the fall of 1890.  He is president of the Board of Education of West Salamanca.  July 4, 1872, he married Arvilla D. METCALF, of Randolph.  Children: John J., born May 4, 1873, entered the law office of Ansley & Davis at the age of fourteen; George B. Mc., born July 12, 1876, a law student with judge VREELAND since 1880; Armenia T., born in Oct., 1881.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1100 & 1101

 

Surnames:  SHEDD, CARR

 

George SHEDD, son of John D., was born in Jamestown, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1836.  April 22, 1861, he enlisted in Co. F, 3d Ohio Vols., while on a visit in Hamilton, Ohio, and was discharged at the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment.  Sept. 4, 1861, he enlisted as sergeant in Co. F, 69th Ohio Vols., and in the battle of Stone River at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jan. 2, 1863, he received a severe wound from a six-pound solid shot, which carried away the upper part of his right shoulder.  He was discharged for disability Sept. 13, 1863.  Nov. 5, 1863, he received the commission of lieutenant-colonel of Ohio State Militia and was assigned to duty on the borders of Ohio and Kentucky, where his regiment did duty, and where he served out his term of five years, being mustered out of service near the close of the year 1867.  Colonel SHEDD returned to Hamilton and served on the police force until the spring of 1870, when he removed to his native town and resumed the trade of harness making, which he had commenced before he entered the army.  Two years later he removed to Randolph, where he prosecuted his trade eight years, serving two years of the time on the police force.  Jan. 1, 1882, he settled in Salamanca, where he is engaged in harness manufacturing.  Two brothers of Colonel SHEDD were soldiers in Co. D, 35th Ohio Vols., and both died of wounds.  Sept. 13, 1862, he married Mary E. CARR, of Hamilton, Ohio.  Their only son, Albert, born March 27, 1864, enlisted in the regular army in Sept. 1886, has served a term of five years in the 5th United States Regulars, and ten days after his discharge he re-enlisted for five years more.  He is now stationed with his regiment in New Orleans.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1101

 

Surnames:  STILLMAN

 

Fred STILLMAN, born in Dunkirk, N. Y., Oct. 20, 1854, received his education in his native village, and being the oldest of the family the support of his mother and a younger brother and sister fell upon him after his father's death.  He learned the cabinet maker's trade in Dunkirk, and in Aug., 1876, he began business as a furniture dealer in Salamanca.  In 1888 he sold this business and is now the only undertaker in the town.  He was supervisor of Salamanca in 1887 and 1888 and is now one of the county coroners and a member of the Board of Education.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1101

 

Surnames:  STRATTON, FOSTER, McKAY, KILBOURN, EDDY

 

Alonzo L. STRATTON, only son of Leander and Lucy (FOSTER) STRATTON, was born at Little Valley Center, Feb. 22, 1836, where, until he was thirty-three years of age, he was engaged in farming on the homestead which his grandfather settled about 1824.  In 1869 he located on a farm on Saw-Mill run, which he still owns, residing in West Salamanca.  He has been a dealer in musical instruments, a fire insurance agent, and is now a salesman in the store of J. J. McKAY.  Aug. 18, 1862, he married Frances KILBOURN, a native of Hartford., Conn., who was born in 1840.  Children: Ella (Mrs. Watson EDDY), Delbert, and Charles.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1101

 

Surnames:  TOBIAS, FRENCH, CLARK, ELY

 

Bennett E. TOBIAS, son of Julius and Elizabeth (FRENCH) TOBIAS, was born in Grove, N. Y.  His grandfather, Asa TOBIAS, was one of the first settlers in Geneva, N. Y.  His father was a farmer and lumberman.  Beginning at the age of fifteen he spent seven years in the oil regions of Titusville, Pa., as a well driller.  In 1865 he drilled a test well for a New York company in Steamburgh.  He next drilled five wells for the United States Oil Company at Pithole.  In 1869 he began operating in oil in Little Colorado, Pa.  In Dec. 1883, he came to Salamanca, where he still resides, and where he is serving his third year as assessor.  In 1869 he married Nellie CLARK, of Allegheny city, Pa., who died in Nov., 1879, being the mother of two daughters.  In 1882 Mr. TOBIAS married Mrs. ELY, of Altoona, Pa.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1101 & 1102

 

Surnames:  VELIE, BIDWELL, WELTS, PEASE, ROGERS, NARMORE

 

Philip J. VELIE, born in Schenectady, N. Y., in 1804, was employed by the Green Bay Fur Company and later he settled at Cold Spring, near Bath, N. Y., where he had charge of a paper-mill.  In Hammondsport he managed a warehouse and was next in Oramel, Allegany county, a lumberman.  About 1858 he went to Olean, where he was a wholesale merchant.  In 1863 he came to Salamanca and opened a boarding house and later kept the American House.  Mr. VELIE was deputy sheriff in Steuben county and held several of the town offices in Salamanca.  He died in Dec., 1884.  Children: Jacob W., a graduate of the Geneva Medical College, subsequently manager of the Academy of Science in Chicago and now with his brother Arunah A. proprietor of a museum in St. Joseph, Mich.; Benjamin W., of Elgin, Ill.; Charles, of East Saginaw, Mich.; Elisha W.;. James B.; Mrs. T. BIDWELL and Mrs. J. WELTS, of Salamanca; Mrs. J. D. PEASE, of Corning, N. Y.; and Mrs. J. ROGERS, of Burlingame, Kan.  Elisha W. VELIE was born near Bath, N. Y., in 1836 and commenced business in Olean as a boatman on the Genesee Valley canal in company with his brother Charles.  They manufactured potash in Wethersfield, Wyoming county, where he married Susan NARMORE in 1861.  In 1863 he came to Salamanca, where he still resides.  Here he has been a sawyer, a carpenter, a car-builder, and the past two years assistant foreman of the railroad shops. James B. VELIE resides in Salamanca and is first assistant in the express office at the Erie depot.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1102

 

Surnames:  VREELAND, BUTTERFIELD, PRICE

 

Edward B. VREELAND, a son of Simon and Jerusha (BUTTERFIELD) VREELAND and a brother of Judge Oliver S. VREELAND, is a native of Cuba, N. Y., and was born Dec. 7, 1857.  He received his education in the public schools and in Friendship Academy, and moved to Salamanca in 1871.  He was a teacher several years, five of which he was principal of Salamanca Union Free School, and by his influence an academic department was instituted under his administration.  He studied law while teaching, and was admitted to the bar in 1880, but has never practiced.  He commenced the insurance business in 1880 which he has since continued.  He was active in the re-organization of the Salamanca National Bank, was one of its directors in 1881, and was elected its president in Sept., 1891, which position he still holds.  He was appointed postmaster of Salamanca by President Harrison in April, 1889, and held the position until July 1, 1893.  He is an active Republican, a speaker of ability, and takes the stump in presidential campaigns.  In 1880, he married Almira, daughter of J. O. PRICE, of Friendship.  They have three children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1102

 

Surnames:  WAIT, BRIGGS, KIRPATRICK

 

Col. Henry O. WAIT, son of Christian and Rachel (BRIGGS) WAIT, was born in Owego, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1840.  His father was an extensive lumberman on the Susquehanna river and rafted his products of long shingles and staves to Harrisburg and Philadelphia.  Later he was a farmer.  He was a native of Half Moon, N. Y., and went to Owego with his father and family, who located an extensive tract of wild land and gave each of his five sons a farm in the neighborhood of WAIT's Settlement, a hamlet so named in their honor.  Mrs. WAIT died Jan. 16, 1868.  Mr. WAIT died June 15, 1883, aged eighty-two.  Henry O. WAIT enlisted April 28, 1861, in Co. K, 26th N. Y. Vols., and served with distinction to the close of his term of enlistment.  He immediately re-entered the U. S. service and served until he was again mustered out at the close of the war.  He was promoted to colonel, was present at the first and second battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Cedar Mountain, and several others, and was with General Sherman in his march to the sea.  In the fall of 1865 he came to Salamanca and was in the ticket department of the Erie and Atlantic & Great Western railroads about eighteen years.  Colonel WAIT was supervisor of Salamanca in 1873, 1874, and 1875, and was elected treasurer of Cattaraugus county in the fall of 1878 and has since continuously held that position.  At the organization of the First National Bank of Salamanca, May 15, 1880, he was elected vice-president and in Jan., 1881, was chosen president, which office he still holds.  Mr. WAIT is a member of the G. A. R. and of all the Masonic organizations to Knight Templar, including the 32d degree.  May 6, 1864, he married Belle, only child of David KIRKPATRICK, of Cuba, N. Y., a lady of great executive ability and a talented musician.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Page 1102

 

Surnames:  WELLMAN, CRANDALL

 

Warren W. WELLMAN, son of Jonas, was born in Friendship, N.Y., June 28, 1833.  He received an academic education and at the age of twenty commenced a mercantile career in Little Genesee. In June, 1861, he returned to Friendship and engaged in the combined business of banking and merchandizing.  In Dec., 1863, he settled in Brockwayville, Pa., where he was a merchant about fifteen years.  In 1880 he accepted the office of cashier of the First National Bank of Salamanca, which position he still holds.  In Dec., 1860, he married M. Elvira CRANDALL, of Little Genesee, and has three daughters.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Salamanca – Chapter XLVI (46)

Pages 1102 & 1103

 

Surnames:  WHEELER, OSGOOD, ROSENBERRY, BRAINARD, WINSHIP

 

John WHEELER, a native of New Salem, Mass., married Rhoda OSGOOD, in his native town, where his eight children were born.  His father was a soldier  in the Revolutionary war and was detailed with about 800 "picked men" and sharpshooters who captured General Burgoyne's provision train and transferred it to the American camp; he was also present when Burgoyne surrendered.  In 1833 John WHEELER removed from Massachusetts to Gainesville, N. Y., and about 1835 came to Little Valley, settling in the south part of that town on the place he bought of James ROSENBERRY.  His house he opened as a temperance tavern and in it the town meetings were frequently held.  He later owned 280 acres.  He also built a good saw-mill on Little Valley creek on the farm where his youngest son, George WHEELER, now resides.  In religion he favored the Presbyterian denomination and in politics was a Whig.  He was a farmer and lumberman and died June 1, 1862.  Mrs. WHEELER survived until April 18, 1868.  George WHEELER, their youngest child, was born in New  Salem, Sept. 6, 1827, came with his parents to Cattaraugus county, and when twenty-one became a farm laborer.  July 4, 1854, he married Nancy A., daughter of Rufus C. BRAINARD, and settled on a farm on lot 10 on the line between Salamanca and Little Valley.  He now resides on the same lot, but just across the highway from his first purchase, and has always been a farmer.  He is also a natural mechanic and the patentee of a bee hive.  In politics he is a Republican and is a member of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.  Children: Clark, Viola H. (Mrs. Erastus WINSHIP), Charles S., and Ida C.

 

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TOWN OF SOUTH VALLEY

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1112

 

Surnames:  CASKEY, FARGO, BARTON

 

Gideon CASKEY, for seven years town supervisor, and at one time one of the leading lumber manufacturers of southwestern Cattaraugus, was born in Worcester, O., Nov. 29, 1833, came to South Valley on the 4th of March, 1857, and died at Moreland, Ky., Nov. 1, 1889.  He built several saw-mills and manufactured for himself or on contract millions of feet of lumber.  He was liberal, kind-hearted, and enterprising.  His wife's parents, Leonard and Evelina (FARGO) BARTON, emigrated from Carroll, Chautauqua county, to Elko in 1838.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1112

 

Surnames:  CONVERS, DOANE

 

John CONVERS came to this town about 1840.  He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, kept the first store in Onoville, and did the work of erecting the first school house.  His wife was Charlotte DOANE, an early school teacher.  Their son Abner T., a millwright and carpenter, died here in 1874.  Another son, Henry E., was for many years a pilot on the Allegheny river.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1112

 

Surnames:  EDDY, MILKS, FLEMING

 

John D. EDDY came to South Valley from Chautauqua county in 1874 and settled on Bone run, where he died in April, 1881.  His children were Floyd S. and Lulie (Mrs. Wallace MILKS, of Napoli).  Floyd S. EDDY, born July 4, 1859, came here with his father and has always been a farmer on Bone run.  He has served as collector and school trustee and has held other minor town offices.  By his wife, Lyde FLEMING, of Reidsburg. Pa., he has four children: Ernest C., Annie, John, and Lillie.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1112

 

Surnames:  FENTON, OWEN

 

John F. FENTON, son of George W. and Elsie (OWEN) FENTON, was born in Carroll, Chautauqua county, Oct. 30, 1816.  He was a brother of Hon. Reuben E. FENTON, of Jamestown, governor and statesman, and was the most conspicuous resident South Valley ever had.  Receiving a common school education he embarked quite extensively in lumbering before attaining his majority, investing his profits in timber lands in the county and ultimately acquiring a vast tract near the Allegheny, for which be was once offered $250,000.  He engaged largely in manufacturing and rafting in which he continued until his death Sept. 10, 1869.  His wife died Jan. 22, 1874.  A Republican in politics he was supervisor of South Valley from 1860 to 1864 inclusive and held also the offices of assessor and highway commissioner.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1112

 

Surnames:  MASON, AKIN, TOBEY, WHELPLEY, CONVERS

 

Benjamin MASON, the oldest man now living in South Valley, was born Oct. 7, 1801, in Rutland, Vt.  He came to Randolph in 1825 and to this town in 1847, following lumbering for many years.  He has served as assessor, school trustee, and commissioner of highways.  By his first wife, Polly AKIN, his children were Olive (deceased); Mary Ann (deceased); Jane A. (Mrs. William TOBEY); Reuben (killed in a shingle-mill); Alonzo (deceased); Lorenzo (deceased); Rev. Benjamin, Jr., of Pennsylvania; Melissa, of Kansas; Chauncey, of Chautauqua county; and Annette (deceased).  His second wife was Mrs. James WHELPLEY, of South Valley, and their only child is De Forest, who lives in Onoville, and with whom Mr. MASON now resides.  De Forest MASON married a daughter of John CONVERS.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Pages 1112 & 1113

 

Surnames:  REEVES, BEECHER, JOHNSON, MARSH, CROFOOT, THURSTON, PARKS

 

Warren H. REEVES was born June 26, 1797, came to South Valley (then Randolph) in the spring of 1837, and died at Kent's Corners in April, 1866.  He was a farmer and lumberman, and during his entire residence in South Valley was the town's most energetic and exemplary citizen.  He was a justice of the peace over thirty years and a class-leader in the M. E. church the greater part of his life.  To him belongs the honor of establishing the first school of any importance in what is now South Valley, with his own funds erecting the school house and hiring and boarding the teacher.  He also contributed $90 the sole contribution) to cut a road through the forests from Onoville to Frewsburg in Chautauqua county.  His first wife, Laura BEECHER (born in April, 1797, died in 1854), bore him these children: William I., born July 28, 1820, of Columbus, Pa.; Eliza A. (Mrs. William JOHNSON), born in Jan., 1826, of Russellville, Pa.; George W. (see page 501); Warren L.; Benjamin, born in Dec., 1832, died in Feb., 1891; Daniel T. (see page 501); Laura (Mrs. Benjamin MARSH), of East Randolph; and Mary J. (Mrs. John ARCHER), of East Randolph.  Mr. REEVES's second wife, Mrs. Mary CROFOOT, now living in Leon, bore him two children: Charles W., born in 1855, died in March, 1881, and Ransom, born in July, 1860, now of Pittsburg, Pa.

 

Warren L. REEVES, born April 7, 1830, has lived in South Valley since seven years of age.  He now occupies the homestead and has made it one of the finest places in the town.  For fourteen years he has been town clerk and for three years supervisor.  He has held every office within the gift of his townsmen.  He married Electa T., daughter of Daniel THURSTON, a very early settler of Randolph; children: Asa W., of Salamanca; Edwin A., of Joliet, Ill.; Mary E. (Mrs. Dr. R. B. PARKS), of East Jamestown, N. Y.; Alden P. (deceased); and L. Belle.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1113

 

Surname:  SAMPLE

 

Charles SAMPLE, one of the representative citizens and a leading farmer of South Valley, is connected with the family of SAMPLE, of Sample hill, in Randolph (q. v.).

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1113

 

Surnames:  STONE, THAYER

 

R. L. STONE, living in the homestead at Onoville, was born on August 22, 1814, at Ballston Spa, N. Y.  Losing his parents during his early boyhood he was obliged to make his own way up to manhood.  At the age of twenty-seven he located at Frewsburg, N. Y., where he married, two years later, Elizabeth L. THAYER, both being school teachers.  In 1849 they moved into South Valley and soon became prominent in the educational interests of the new town.  For twenty years Mr. STONE served as school trustee, nearly the entire time being the sole occupant of that office in his school district.  For about the same time he was justice of the peace and for one term was justice of sessions for the county.  He was an ardent Republican and active in political affairs.  For fifteen years he was postmaster of the only postoffice in South Valley.  He had five daughters and three sons.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of South Valley – Chapter XLVII (47)

Page 1113

 

Surnames:  WILCOX, WILLCOX, MURPHY, AKIN

 

The first of the WILCOX family to come to South Valley was Mrs. Abel WILCOX and her five sons in 1847-- Abel, Jr., Napoleon R., Rodney H., Marvin, and Marshall.  All were prominent in the history of the town, many of them and their descendants holding offices of trust and responsibility.  Abel died June 3, 1850.  His only child, Abel A., married a daughter of Barnard MURPHY.  He was supervisor of South Valley in 1886, 1887, 1888, and 1889 and is now town clerk. (Mr. MURPHY settled on Saw-Mill run in 1849 and died there Nov. 11, 1886.  His children were Ann, Patrick, Bridget E., Matthew, Michael, Margaret E. and James S.)  Napoleon R. WILCOX served his town in various capacities.  Rodney H. was constable and collector several years.  A daughter of Mrs. Abel WILCOX married James AKIN, who settled here in 1844.  He died in California.  Ransom D. WILCOX, of the third generation from Mrs. Abel WILCOX, is a substantial farmer, residing in the village of Onoville.  Stephen P. WILCOX, another member of this family, was an early and prominent settler, serving as supervisor, town clerk, etc.  Until recently the name was spelled WILLCOX, but the present representatives of the family have adopted the modern orthography, WILCOX.

 

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TOWN OF YORKSHIRE

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES FROM: "HISTORICAL GAZETTEER AND BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIAL of CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY, ed by WILLIAM ADAMS, Published 1893

 

 

Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1119

 

Surnames:  BISHOP, HAWKINS, BABBIT, HOWELL, JONES

 

Ira BISHOP, son of John and Dorcas (HAWKINS) BISHOP, was born in Williamsburg, Mass.  In 1797 he settled in Otsego, NY, where he lived until 1831, when he moved to Yorkshire with an ox-team, bringing his wife and five children and settling on the farm now owned by his son, Amasa H. BISHOP.  He took up 160 acres of land, which he cleared.  He taught school and was justice of the peace for several years.  He married Margaret BABBIT of Otsego.  Children:  Maryette, Dorcas, Palmyra, Reuben B., Miranda M., John D., Sarah A., Amasa H., and Romelia E. BISHOP.  He died in 1866 and his wife in 1879.

 

Amasa H. BISHOP was born March 19, 1837, and has always been a farmer, being also for a brief time a teacher.  He married Keturah, daughter of Levi HOWELL, of Jerseyville, Canada, and settled on the homestead.  His son Levi L. BISHOP married Jennie E., daughter of Morris JONES, of Freedom.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1119

 

Surnames:  BULL, BUMP

 

Carpenter BULL, a native of Vermont, came to Yorkshire in 1825 and settled on the farm now owned by his son Abel BULL.  He was a veterinary surgeon and traveled over a large area of the country in the practice of his profession.  He married Mariah, daughter of Edward BUMP, and had fourteen children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1119

 

Surnames:  BUMP, HARMON, STUDLEY, REYNOLDS, TAYLOR

 

Harley BUMP, son of Lail, was born in Vermont in 1801.  In 1828 he married a daughter of Alpheus HARMON, of Yorkshire, and in 1830 settled on the farm now owned by David Quackenbush.  He always remained a resident of the town and was a farmer.  Children:  George R., Lewis L., and Sallie S. (Mrs. Lucas STUDLEY).  Mrs. BUMP died Feb. 8, 1863.  Mr. BUMP died in 1872.

 

George R. BUMP was born March 18, 1834.  Aug. 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 44th N.Y. Vols., was wounded and is a pensioner, and was mustered out in 1864.  He married Lucinda E., daughter of Asahel and Mary (REYNOLDS) TAYLOR:  Children:  Edward L., George H., Asahel T., and Guy A. BUMP.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1119

 

Surname:  CARD

 

Ray CARD, a native of Rhode Island, came to Yorkshire in 1837 or 1838 and settled on the farm his son Jerry CARD now owns, where he lived and died.  He had ten children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Pages 1119 - 1121

 

Surnames:  CHENEY, HODGES, CROOKER

 

Daniel W. CHENEY, a native of Ashford, Conn., was descended from good old Puritan stock, his ancestors having come from England with the early Pilgrim Fathers.  He emigrated from Connecticut to Essex Co., NY, but after a brief stay he went into Vermont for a time.  Thinking that he could better his condition by a return to New York he located in what is now the town of Machias in the year 1808.  He resided here a short time, then removed about five miles farther north and took up land on the old “town line” road, in what is now the town of Yorkshire.  Here he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1837.  He left the reputation of being an upright, industrious citizen, enjoying the esteem and confidence of all his acquaintances.  His wife survived him but a few years.  There were born to him eleven children, nine of whom attained manhood and womanhood.  All of these are dead but one, Wells CHENEY, who still lives with an only daughter, Nancy, in Delevan, and is an intelligent old gentleman in his 86th year, full of reminiscences of the past.

 

John CHENEY, the second son of Daniel W., was born in 1813 in the limits of the town of Machias.  In his early manhood he succeeded in accumulating a sufficient amount of money to purchase and partially pay for the farm already taken up by his father.  In 1840 he married Sarah Ann HODGES, who helped him accumulate a large property.  For the next few years, until 1856, he passed his time partly in New York State and partly in Pennsylvania where for a time he run a large lumber mill.  Finally returning to New York he settled upon his farm, remaining there till within a few months of his death.  He was public spirited, honorable , and highly esteemed.  He was one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal church in Delevan, a liberal supporter and member of it, and one of its trustees for nearly a quarter of a century.  He died in 1881 at his residence in the village of Delevan.  His widow still lives at the same place.  Never taking any active part in politics, he was yet greatly interested in public affairs, usually voting with the Republican party.  He was for several terms elected one of the assessors of the town.  Besides his widow seven children survive him:

Clark A. CHENEY, a farmer in Yorkshire

Walter W. CHENEY, an oil operator of Bradford, Pa.

Irene E. CROOKER, living with her husband at Franklinville

Francis J. CHENEY, principal of the State Normal and Training School, Cortland, N. Y.

George H. CHENEY, in business in Boston, Mass.

Lyman J. CHENEY, postal clerk on the W.N.Y.& P. railroad.

 

Francis J. CHENEY was born near Warren, Pa., in June, 1848, third son of John and Sarah Ann CHENEY.  In 1856 he came with his parents to Yorkshire.  Here he worked on the farm until he was twenty years old, attending the district school winter and summer as far as the farm work would permit.  He early manifested a wish to go to college, and in this he was encouraged by his parents.  By attending a neighboring academy at Arcade, N.Y., during the fall term, teaching a district school in the winter, and working on the farm through the spring and summer, he finally obtained a part of the necessary means and preparation for college, and entered Syracuse University in 1868, while it was yet Genessee College, graduating in 1872.  After graduation he was professor of mathematics in the Northern New York Conference Seminary, Antwerp, N.Y., for two terms. In March, 1873, he was elected principal of Dryden Union School, Dryden, Tompkins county, N.Y.  Here he remained seven years, resigning his position in June, 1880.  He had studied law, was admitted to practice, and intended, at this time, to enter upon the profession of law, when he received a letter from a member of the Board of Education of Kingston Free Academy, Kingston, N.Y., asking him to consider the proposition of becoming its principal.  The result of the correspondence was that he became principal of this school at a salary of $2,000.

In 1882 he was asked to take a professorship in Syracuse University, but the Kingston Board of Education held out such inducements to retain him as to influence him to stay.  In 1888 he was elected superintendent of schools in Olean, N. Y.  Again the Board of Education at Kingston so strongly desired him to remain that he declined this attractive position.  In June, 1889, he received the degree of Ph.D. from Syracuse University, on examination.  In 1890 he was unanimously elected inspector of high schools and academies of New York by the Regents of the University of the State of New York.  This position he accepted, and entered upon his duties in September of the same year.  He held this important office one year, when he was appointed principal of the State Normal and Training School, Cortland, N.Y.  Having been confirmed as principal by the State superintendent of public instruction he resigned the office of inspector to accept this desirable and useful position, which he still holds, finding in it an agreeable field of activity and usefulness.   In July, 1873, he married Lydia H., daughter of Buel G. SMITH, of Delevan, N.Y.  Not a little of his success is due to the well directed helpfulness of his intelligent and clear headed wife.  But 45 years of age, in perfect health, it would seem that many years of usefulness are still before him.

 

Ed. Note:  This biography includes a photograph of Francis J. CHENEY

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1121

 

Surnames:  CLARK, KING, BEACH, HINMAN

 

Salmon CLARK, son of Salmon CLARK and a native of Vermont, settled in Yorkshire on the farm now owned by Seymour KING at an early day.  Some years later he moved onto what is now a part of the Isaac BEACH estate, where he died.  He had seven children.  His daughter, Polly C. CLARK, married John HINMAN, a native of Vermont and a son of James. John HINMAN settled in Yorkshire in 1831 and in 1838 removed to Great Valley, where his wife died in 1852.  He died in 1866.  They had thirteen children.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1121

 

Surnames:  DAGGETT, SNOW

 

Capt. Danforth DAGGETT, son of Ebenezer DAGGETT, was born in Massachusetts, came to Yorkshire in 1830, and engaged in farming.  He married Sarah SNOW.  Children:  Nelson, Phebe, Mary, and Franklin B.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1121

 

Surnames:  GOO, HUFSTADER

 

Hiram GOO came to Ashford from Schuyler, N.Y., about 1821 and carried on the trades of carpenter and millwright.  He married Elizabeth HUFSTADER, of Ashford, where he resided about thirty years.  He finally moved to Yorkshire, where he died.  His wife lives with her daughter Elvira.  Children:  Eliza, Mary, Ann, Corsand, J.F., Amy, Almira, Elvira, Hiram, Catharine, and Charles T.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1121

 

Surnames:  GRAHAM, THORN, JACOBS, MORSE

 

George GRAHAM was born in Concord, N.H., Oct. 5, 1801, a son of Asa GRAHAM, who, about 1820, came to Yorkshire with his son, but never became a settler here.  George located in town and in a few years returned to Concord, N.H., where he married, Jan. 13, 1825, Lucia THORN, whom he at once brought to his home in Cattaraugus County.  She died March 7, 1871, and Feb. 12, 1873, his death occurred. 

Children: 

Joseph C. GRAHAM, born Oct. 14, 1825

Flora Taylor GRAHAM, deceased

Sarah L. GRAHAM, born Sept. 22, 1826

Rozilla A. GRAHAM, born June 8, 1828

John C. GRAHAM, born Jan. 15, 1833, married Teressa JACOBS, Dec. 15, 1861

George H. GRAHAM

Lucia E. GRAHAM, born March 14, 1837, married Solomon HOWE, Oct. 7, 1869

Walter A. GRAHAM, born April 30, 1839, married Altie E. NYE, Sept. 29, 1866

Mary J. GRAHAM, born Feb. 4, 1842, died Jan. 20, 1845

Mary L. GRAHAM, born May 15, 1844 

Mr. GRAHAM was first a Whig and later a Republican, and was supervisor of Yorkshire nine terms and justice of the peace twenty-four years.  He also held other town offices.  George H. GRAHAM, born March 5, 1835, married Ellen M. MORSE, March 24, 1861, and is a farmer near Delevan.  He was supervisor in 1881-82 and, like his father, is a representative citizen.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Pages 1121 & 1122

 

Surnames:  HALL, MOON, ASHCRAFT, EASTLAND

 

Lucius HALL, an early settler in this town, was born March 27, 1897.  He had sixteen children, forty grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren.  He enlisted in Co. G, 78th N.Y. Vols., and took three of his boys with him:  Harvey C. and Wyman in Co. H, 44th N.Y. Vols., and Alfred in Co.G, 78th N.Y. Vols.  He died July 27, 1887.  Harvey C. HALL, son of Lucius, was born in Alexander, N.Y., Sept. 28, 1840.  When he was eight years of age his father moved to Yorkshire.  In Sept., 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 44th N.Y. Vols., was shot in the left shoulder at the battle of Laurel Hill, and was mustered out in 1864.  He married Jane, daughter of Chester and Clarissa (MOON) ASHCRAFT: children:  Lottie M. (Mrs. Sheldon EASTLAND), and George H. HALL

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1122

 

Surnames:  HARMON, WHEELER, BISHOP, RANDALL

 

John HARMON, a native of Rupert, Vt., came to Yorkshire in 1823 with his father, Alpheus, who settled upon the farm now owned by Ethan HARMON.  He married Elizabeth, daughter of Luther and Lucy WHEELER, and had seven children, of whom two are now living in this town:  Mrs. John BISHOP and Ethan (on the homestead).  The latter married Sarepta, daughter of Stephen and Angeline RANDALL, of Machias, and has one child, Howard E.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1122

 

Surnames:  HOWE, GOULD, GRAHAM

 

Solomon HOWE was a grandson of Moses HOWE, a Revolutionary soldier.  His father, Aaron, was born in New Hampshire, and after residing elsewhere in this State he finally settled in Cattaraugus county, where he died in 1836.  His wife died March 6, 1870.  Solomon was born in Groton, N.Y., May 4, 1818, and came to Yorkshire with his parents in 1830.  He married, in 1845, Minerva GOULD, who died June 27, 1865.  Oct. 7, 1869, her married Lucia E., daughter of George GRAHAM, of this town, who bore him two children: Ormond and Minerva.  Mr. HOWE was supervisor of Yorkshire in 1873 and again in 1876, and also held other town offices.  He was the Democratic nominee to the Assembly in 1869, but was defeated by George N. West; in 1872 he was a candidate on the same ticket for county superintendent of the poor.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1122

 

Surnames:  KING, WINSLOW, JOSLIN, ROGERS, SHERMAN, WILLIAMS, HOUSE, WALPOLE, CARNEY, STEELE, CONGER, SILLIMAN

 

Samuel KING came from Darien, Genessee county, to Machias in 1823, bringing his wife, Sabra A. WINSLOW, and six children with an ox-team.  He articled 100 acres of land, built a log house, and set out an orchard, and three years later traded it for 137 acres in Yorkshire, where he reared his family.  His wife died in 1864 and he in 1876.  Children:  B. Franklin, Clarissa, Stephen W., Simeon K., Solomon J., Angeline, Frederick W., Samuel S., Lydia A., Almari, and Betsy KING.  Those living are Solomon J. KING in Farmersville, Clarissa (Mrs. Lyman JOSLIN) in Yorkshire, and Almari (Mrs. L. ROGERS) in Freedom.

 

Charles KING, son of Reuben KING was born in Alexander, N.Y., and in 1838 settled on the farm in Yorkshire now owned by his son Marvin D. KING where he died.  He was a farmer and held several important town offices.  He married Clara SHERMAN, by whom he had four children.  His second wife was Betsey WILLIAMS, who bore him four children.  His son William W. KING, now living at West Yorkshire, came to the town in 1840.  He married Harriet P., daughter of Harry HOUSE, and has one child living, Mrs. Minnie M. WALPOLE.

 

Seymour KING, son of Alvah and Hannah (CARNEY) KING, was born in Sardinia, N.Y., Feb. 25, 1830.  In 1860 he married Ann Eliza, daughter of Robert and Martha STEELE, and settled on the place where he now resides.  Children:  Frank S., Manley E., Ernest R., and Mertie E. (Mrs. L. CONGER).  His wife died in 1872 and he married, second, Sarah SILLIMAN.  He has been assessor several years and by occupation is a farmer and an apiarist.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1122

 

Surnames:  LANGMADE, DOW, DAVIS

 

The LANGMADE’s were among the first settlers in this town.  Stephen LANGMADE settled here as early as 1810 with the DOW’s.  They came from Vermont.  Later his brother, Dr. William LANGMADE, came in.  The doctor was in the War of 1812 and reared thirteen children, all of whom attained manhood.  Solomon LANGMADE, another brother, was in the War of 1812 and lived to the age of ninety-nine years and eight months, dying in 1892.  Dr. LANGMADE, was the father of A.J. LANGMADE, who served three years and six months in Co. K, 105th N.Y. Vols., and in Co. K, 94th N.Y. Vols., spending six months of the time in rebel prisons.  Laura A., daughter of Daniel DAVIS, the first school teacher in Yorkshire, was the wife of Dr. LANGMADE.  She was one of the pupils of the first three years of school taught in town.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1123

 

Surnames:  OLTHOF, VANDERLICK

 

Berena OLTHOF came from Ibergun, Holland, and located in this town in 1850.  He was a shoemaker by trade, but the later years of his life were devoted mainly to farming.  Six years he spent in Holland in the army.  Shortly after his removal to this place he married Elizabeth VANDERLICK, also of Holland.  Five children were born to them, three of whom are living – one son and two daughters.  Mr. OLTHOF died in 1884.  His son, Henry B. OLTHOF and widowed mother occupy the homestead two miles south of Yorkshire Center.  Mr. OLTHOF was a good citizen, just and honorable in his dealings, very decided in his opinions, both political and religious, and his mind, once made up, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, was not subject to change.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1123

 

Surnames:  PERRYMAN, PHINNEY, HOLLOWAY, BIGELOW

 

John PERRYMAN came to Yorkshire about 1834.  His son, A. PERRYMAN, came at the same time and settled on the farm now owned by A. PHINNEY.  He died in South Wales, Erie county.  He married Elizabeth HOLLOWAY and had seven children, of whom only one is living in town:  Green PERRYMAN, who married Emeline BIGELOW.  The latter enlisted in Co. K, 105th N.Y. Vols., and served three years.  He was wounded at the battle near Petersburg and was in most all the engagements of the regiment.  His children living are: Lovina and Adda.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1123

 

Surnames:  PIERCE, THORNTON, GOO, BASTION

 

Ezekiel PIERCE was born in Penfield, Monroe county, in 1809, and came to Yorkshire in 1825.  In 1840 he purchased a farm one mile south of the Center, which he occupied until his death, which occurred in 1892.  Mr. PIERCE was a fair type of the early settlers: a man of strict integrity, true to his friends, ever ready to reach out a helping hand to the needy, and in his death the community lost a good citizen.  Mrs. PIERCE’s father, Richard THORNTON, built the first saw-mill in this town, the one now owned by GOO & BASTION in Delevan.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

(Insert by publisher between pages 1122 and 1123)

 

Surnames:  SILLIMAN, COSTON

 

SAMUEL SILLIMAN was born May 2, 1793, at Arlington VT.  He came to Yorkshire in 1812 and secured a piece of land of the Holland Company, and returned to Vermont.  In 1814, he again came to Cattaraugus County, this time on foot, walking as far as sixty-five miles between sunrise and sunset.  Oct 13, 1818, he married Sally COSTON of Sardinia, Erie Co by whom he had five sons and two daughters, all of whom now reside in Yorkshire except two sons - one who died in 1835, aged sixteen, and another who lives in Osage, Iowa.  Mr. SILLIMAN, after his permanent settlement here in 1814, was a resident of this town until his death, except 3 years he spent in Ohio.  He held several town offices and in 1824 was captain of the 181st Regiment of NY State Militia.  He died at his home in Yorkshire on Nov 2, 1878.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1123

 

Surnames:  STONE, SILLIMAN, THOMAS, CARTER

 

Alpheus STONE, a native of Mendon, Mass., came to Yorkshire in 1830 and settled on the farm now owned by Fred SILLIMAN, where he lived several years.  He afterward moved to Yorkshire Center and resided with his daughter, Mrs. N. T. THOMAS, and died Dec. 4, 1878.  His wife, Sinda (CARTER) STONE, died July 18, 1865.  He was a mason by trade and had two sons (both dead) and one daughter (Loretta, now Mrs. N. T. THOMAS).  He served in the War of 1812 and drew a pension several years.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Pages 1123 & 1124

 

Surnames:  STRONG, PADDOCK

 

John STRONG was born of Dutch parentage in old Fort Herkimer in 1800 and came from Mohawk, N.Y., in 1850 and settled on a farm now in Yorkshire Center village limits.  He was a blacksmith by trade, but devoted a part of his time to farming.  He had three sons and two daughters, four of whom reside in the Center and one (a daughter) in Iowa.  He died in 1869.  Two of the sons, William and Darius STRONG occupy the homestead.  This house is said to be the first frame building erected in the village limits.  It has been added to in recent years, but the original is still in good condition.  It dates back nearly seventy years.  There is a story connected with the building of this dwelling which is well worth telling.  It was built by a man named PADDOCK.  When partly completed he ran short of funds, and being something of a sport and the owner of a fast horse he got up a scheme to “do up” the sporting men at the races soon to come off at Rochester.  His wife was privy to it.  They started for Rochester a day or two before the races, and at the outskirts of the town he left his wife to drive in later, while he went to the horsemen’s headquarters on foot.  PADDOCK could get drunk on occasion or he could feign drunkenness so perfectly as to deceive the elect, and that is just what he did on this occasion; and steadying himself against the bar he offered to bet $100 that he could take the first horse that came along the street and beat anything they had.  It did not take long to arrange such a bet as that and Paddock was on the street waiting for a horse which, as pre-arranged, soon came along.  The woman was naturally very indignant for being stopped on the street by a drunken man, but the promise of a good dinner and $5 settled it and the horse was secured.  Whether the Rochester sports ever found out the full extent of the joke played on them was never learned, but that sorry looking horse, hitched to an old democrat wagon, was really one of the fleetest racers in western New York, and PADDOCK returned to Yorkshire with a load of nails and glass to finish his house.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1124

 

Surnames:  THOMAS, THWING, STONE, DARTE, HINMAN, STEELE, SOVEREIGN

 

Thomas THOMAS, a native of Mendon, Mass., came here in 1836 and settled at West Yorkshire, where he worked at shoemaking for his son George W. THOMAS, who carried on tanning and shoemaking.  He died Aug. 2, 1860.  His wife, Sabria (THWING), died Nov. 26, 1835.  He had six sons and a daughter.

 

N.T. THOMAS came to West Yorkshire in 1837 and worked for his brother G. W. THOMAS at shoemaking.  He married Loretta STONE and has one child, Emeline S. (Mrs. B. F. DARTE).

 

George W. THOMAS, son of Thomas THOMAS, came to West Yorkshire and erected a tannery and carried on that and shoemaking forty years.  He married Priscilla C., daughter of John HINMAN, and had six children.  He died at Yorkshire Corners in 1892.

 

Joseph G. THOMAS, son of Thomas THOMAS, settled in Yorkshire in 1836.  He was a farmer and Married Martha R., daughter of John and Millie STEELE.  Of his four children three are living:  George R., Bertha B.,  and Lula A. (Mrs. Baxter SOVEREIGN)

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1124

 

Surnames:  TURNER, PADDOCK, AUSTIN

 

Caleb TURNER, son of William TURNER was born in Westfield, Mass., Dec. 22, 1808.  In 1826 he came to Yorkshire and settled on the farm where he now resides.  He is said to be the only one now living in town who articled the land from the Holland Land Company.  He married Polly PADDOCK, by whom he has had five children, three of whom are living:  Orson O., George C. and Mary O. TURNER.

He married second, Mrs. Algera AUSTIN, by whom he has seven children:  William D., Edwin O., Harvey R., Waller S., Cory B., Franklin I. and Emma J. TURNER

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1124

 

Surnames:  WEEKS, HERRIOTT, LANGMADE

 

Obadiah WEEKS, son of Roland WEEKS, was born in New Salem, Mass., in 1794.  He married Jerusha HERRIOTT, of Great Bend, Pa., and in 1822 moved to Yorkshire and settled on a farm now owned by William Burns.  Here he died July 4, 1872.  His wife died Nov. 21, 1869.  Of their five children two are living:  Mary H., of Franklinville, and Riley, of Yorkshire Center.  The latter married Clarissa, daughter of Stephen S. LANGMADE, and has four children:  Ina B., Netta E., Grant W., and John A.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1124

 

Surnames:  WHEELER, ARUNDEL, HARMON

 

Luther WHEELER, a native of Danbury, Conn., came to Yorkshire in 1823 and settled on the farm now owned by J. W. Nourse.  He married Lucy ARUNDEL and had nine children, of whom only Mrs. John HARMON is living.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Page 1124

 

Surnames:  WHITING, WHEAT, DWINELL

 

George H. WHITING came to this town in 1840.  He was living in Yorkshire in 1860, when on the 29th of July, one of the most horrible murders ever known in western New York was committed.  Ann WHEAT, whose maiden name was Ann DWINELL, was murdered by James WHEAT, her husband, and Salmon WHEAT, her father-in-law.

 

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Bio from:

Historical Gazetteer and Biographical Memorial of Cattaraugus Co. NY, ed by William Adams, pub 1893

History of the Town of Yorkshire  – Chapter XLVIII (48)

Pages 1124 & 1125

 

Surnames:  WILLIAMS, SACKETT

 

Isaac WILLIAMS came from Vermont and took up 300 acres of land where Yorkshire Corners now stands, where he built the first frame house in town and where his son Proctor WILLIAMS kept the first hotel.  He also built the first saw and grist-mill on Cattaraugus Creek in 1814.  He afterward removed to Aurora, N.Y., where he worked at the cooper’s trade, and thence returned to Ashford.  Albert WILLIAMS, son of Isaac, was born in Vermont, came to Yorkshire, married Melinda SACKETT, moved to Ashford about 1833, and settled where Richard WILLIAMS now lives.  Children:  Richard, Aurilla, Riley, Isaac, Harvey A., Eliza, and Peter WILLIAMS.

 

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